Device, method and system for implementing a physical area network for detecting head injuries

ABSTRACT

A physical area network for detecting head injuries described herein enables significantly improved cranial health monitoring and treatment by utilizing internal (in-body) mechanisms and information and external mechanisms and information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/778,436, filed Dec. 12, 2018, and titled“DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPLEMENTING A PHYSICAL AREA NETWORK FORDETECTING HEAD INJURIES,” which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of networking. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to the field of networksassociated with the human body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Concussions continue to be a problem in sports; in particular,professional sports such as football. Proper detection and analysis havethus far avoided those in charge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A physical area network for detecting head injuries described hereinenables significantly improved cranial health monitoring and treatmentby utilizing internal (in-body) mechanisms and information and externalmechanisms and information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a network architecture for a physicalarea network according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of implementing a physical area networkaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing cancerimmunotherapy according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of utilizing the physical area network toimplement cancer immunotherapy according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing medicalimaging according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of movement of nano-nodes according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method of a physical area networkcommunicating according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of encryption utilized by thephysical area network according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of powering the physical area networkaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of a nano-chip according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates diagrams of nano-sensing units according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram of a mobile nano-node according to someembodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of utilizing multiple nano-microinterfaces according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing nano-nodespositioned in a user's mouth according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing gaming witha physical area network according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing a physical areanetwork with social networking according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing nano-nodes to detect aconcussion according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a diagram of utilizing nano-nodes to detect aconcussion according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method of tracking exerciseaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network with additional equipment according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a user with a physical area network and equipmentconfigured to communicate with the physical area network according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network to detect an illness according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flowchart of a method of monitoring sleep of auser according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network as a remote monitoring system/automatic doctorimplementation according to some embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart of detecting alcohol/drugs using thephysical area network according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart of a method of detecting sizes ofstructures within a user's body according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computing deviceconfigured to implement aspects of the physical area network accordingto some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A physical area network, also referred to as a Body Area Network (BAN),Wireless BAN (WBAN), or a Body Sensor Network (BSN), is a network ofwearable and/or implantable devices used to cooperate with additionaldevices to provide further collection, analysis and output/effectsrelated to body information. A physical area network is describedherein. The physical area network is able to utilize implementationssuch as the Internet of Things (IoT), the Internet of MicroThings (IoμT)and the Internet of NanoThings (IoNT). Although nanonodes are describedherein, where applicable, micronodes are able to be implemented insteador in addition.

Body information (and other information) is able to be collected usingwearable devices, internal devices (e.g., implanted, ingested, injected,inhaled), and/or other devices.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a network architecture for a physicalarea network according to some embodiments. The physical area networkincludes one or more nano-nodes 100, one or more nano-routers 102, oneor more nano-micro interfaces 104, and/or one or more control units 106.In some embodiments, fewer or additional components are utilized. Insome embodiments, the physical area network includes one or moreelectronic tattoos 108. In some embodiments, the physical area networkis able to communicate via a network 110 (e.g., the Internet, a cellularnetwork, or an intranet) or using peer-to-peer communication.

In the exemplary FIG. 1, the small circles or dots represent one or morenano-nodes 100, the lightning bolts represent one or more nano-routers102, the smart watch represents a nano-micro interface 104 and therouter represents one or more control units 106. As shown in theexample, the nano-nodes 100 are able to be inside of a user such as inthe cranium, on a tooth, in the blood stream going to the arm and hands,heart, legs, gut and/or any other body part, and/or in any other bodypart. Similarly, the nano-routers 102 are able to located anywhereinternally. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers102 are able to be positioned in specific locations of the body (e.g.,muscles, bones, ligaments, digestive system, lungs, blood/cardiovascularsystem, nervous system/brain/spinal cord, skin, any other system/bodypart) to monitor varying aspects of the body. In some embodiments, thenano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102 are able to move (e.g., throughthe digestive tract, the bloodstream, and/or any other bodypart/system). The nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102 are also ableto be positioned externally such as on clothing (e.g., hat, glasses,headband, mask, scarf, shirt, jacket, gloves, underwear, pants, socks,footwear/sneakers/shoes), jewelry, or sporting equipment (e.g., abaseball bat, glove, golf club, tennis racket, football, baseball,hockey stick, puck, soccer ball, tennis ball, golf ball, basketball, orany other sporting equipment). The nano-macro interfaces 104 are alsoable to be internal or externally located (e.g., as a wearable watch,jewelry, clothing, eyeglasses/sunglasses/eyewear, contact lenses,headgear, band-aid, bandage, equipment). Although the example shows onlya few components, an actual physical area network is able to potentiallyinclude millions or more components (e.g., millions, billions ortrillions of nano-nodes throughout the body). Similarly, in simplersystems, the physical area network is able to be a single component suchas a single nano-node or a few components such as a single nano-node,nano-router and nano-micro interface.

The one or more nano-nodes 100 are nano machines which perform taskssuch as detecting health issues (e.g., cancer, high blood pressure,low/high blood sugar, flu/cold, virus, bacteria, cardiovascular disease,digestive issues, respiratory issues, allergies, auto-immune diseases,neurological problems) and/or others. The nano-nodes 100, nano-routers102 and/or nano-micro interfaces 104 are able to acquire healthinformation such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate,temperature, and/or any other information. The nano-nodes 100 are alsoable to be used to treat medical issues such as deliveringantibiotics/medication to a localized position, provide insulin, repairan injury, unclog a blockage (e.g., remove arterial plaque),block/disrupt cancer communications, treat/attack cancer cells, and/orany other treatment options. Nano-nodes 100 are able to includebiological sensors positioned in the human body. The nano-nodes 100 areable to be utilized in the fields/technologies of surgery, prosthetics,artificial retina, cochlear implants, brain pacemakers, heartpacemakers, and many other implementations.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 are hybridmolecular/semiconductor electronics, nanotubes/nanowires, molecularelectronics, and/or other implementations. For example, scientists atLawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a functional 1 nmtransistor. Therefore, a nano-device is able to be made using the 1 nmtransistor with any additional components which are also scaled down tosize. U.S. Pat. No. 9,320,465 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,182, which areincorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes, areexamples of functioning nanodevices. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes100 are biological elements. The nano-nodes 100 are able to implement avariety of functions such as sensing, moving, heating, cooling, cutting,attaching, attacking, detecting, carrying, disrupting, containing,and/or any other function described herein.

The nano-node 100 is able to comprise any material such as a metal oxidesuch as Al₂O₃, In₂O₃, MgO, ZnO, CeO₂, CO₃O₄, and/or TiO₂, a magneticmaterial, any other bioinert material, any biodegradable material, anybiocompatible material, nanotubes, and/or any other appropriatematerial.

The nano-nodes 100 are able to be coated with a bio-compatible material(metal) such as alumina, zirconia, alloys, poly ethylene glycol, and/orpolytetrafluoroethylene-like materials of varying thickness such as afew nanometers to micrometers. The nano-nodes 100 are able to bepackaged in insulating materials, water-vapor permeable materials,polymeric materials such as epoxies, urethanes, silicones, resins,Parylene, and others. The packaging is able to be a polymer includinghydrophobic, hydrophilic, or amphipathic molecules, proteins, peptides,cell membrane components and/or other organic/biological components. Thepackaging is also able to be anti-microbial. In some embodiments, thenano-nodes 100 are coated/covered/surrounded with cells (e.g., theuser's cells) to prevent the user's body from attacking.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 include one or more chamberswhich are individually or collectively accessible (e.g., by opening,removing, making permeable a barrier). The contained substance (e.g.,agent, reagent, gas, medicine, chemical, biological material, vitamin,mineral, supplement, sugar, caffeine) in a chamber is released and/orpumped out. In some embodiments, the chambers contain neutral or inertagents when separate, but when combined with other agents, a reactionoccurs. For example, a nano-node 100 includes agent X and agent Y whichdo nothing when contained in their separate chambers, but when releasedsimultaneously, agent X and agent Y react and release energy, form a newagents, attack a specific substance/material, and/or have another typeof reaction. In some embodiments, nano-nodes carry separate agents, forexample, a first nano-node carries only agent X and a second nano-nodecarries only agent Y, and when the nano-nodes are in a close enoughproximity to each other, their chambers release their respective agentssuch that the agents react. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 areable to detect other nano-nodes 100 and only release the agents when thedistance between each other is below a threshold. For example,determining the distance is below a threshold is by: a nano-node detectsother nano-nodes by sending a signal (e.g., signal is only strong enoughto reach within a threshold distance); electrical detection; motiondetection; and/or any other way. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100receive instructions from another device (e.g., the nano-micro interface104) as to when to release the agent (and which agent if applicable). Insome embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 release after a specified amount oftime or at a specified time.

In some embodiments, hormones or hormone-inducing medication is able tobe deployed using a nano-node 100. Similarly, insulin is able to beautomatically released when a user's blood sugar is below a specifiedthreshold. Proteins or protein-fragments are able to be carried andreleased to stimulate or inhibit reactions such as inducing orminimizing an immune system response. In another example, tiny particlesof an allergen (e.g., peanut, wheat, pollen, pet dander, and so on) areintroduced using a nano-device 100 to avoid/prevent/minimize allergic orauto-immune responses.

Similarly, in some embodiments, one or more sensors are located insideeach chamber, but covered by the barrier/coating. Once thebarrier/coating is removed/permeable, the sensors are able to detectanything such as chemicals, pH, presence of molecules, and/or otherconditions in/near the chambers. Any other type of chamber is able to beincluded such as a waste chamber and/or energy chamber.

In some embodiments, the barrier dissolves/weakens/opens over time, andin some embodiments, a trigger (e.g., from the nano-micro interface 104,nano-node 100 and/or nano-router 102) occurs to dissolve/weaken/open thebarrier.

The nano-node 100 is able to include one or more nano-pumps, one or morecontainers, other types of vessels, one or more nano-channels and/or anyother components.

In some embodiments, a MEMS device is used to open/close mechanicaldoors to release the payload of the nano-node 100.

The nano-node 100 is able to include an integrated circuit controllerunit for controlling on-chip sensing, measuring, controlling, movingand/or other functions/operations. The integrated circuit is able toinclude any computing components such as a processing core, acontroller, cache memory, Random Access Memory (RAM), other types ofmemory/processing components, sensing/measuring components (temperature,pressure, light, heat, EM energy, water, chemical, biological, andothers), communication components (e.g., antenna, receiver/transceiverdevices), data buses, cargo (e.g., medicine, radioactive material),and/or any other components. Exemplary sensors include sensing/measuringoxygen, carbon dioxide, urea, hormones, ions, neurotransmitters, blood,proteins, chemicals, radiation, electricity, sensing rate of localtissue mitosis or changes. Furthering the example, the oxygen sensor isable to sense oxygen in a user's tissues. In another example, sensorsare able to receive signals from nerve cells and transmit the signalsvia RF or sonic communications to other nerve cells (e.g., a nervebridge). The nano-node 100 is able to measure tissue response employingthe Doppler effect. Using the transmitter/receiver and/or sensors, thenano-node 100 is able to detect reflections of signals, phase shifts,and other signal changes (e.g., measuring deltas in velocities or phaseshifts in signals of different wavelengths to analyze tissue statechanges). The number of sensors on the chip is able to be applicationspecific or general and can be as few as 1 to many thousands or more. Insome embodiments, all of the components are able to process/communicatein real-time (e.g., transmit real-time sensor measurement information)to the nano-micro interface 104. The transceiver is able to utilize verylow power EM function using varying frequencies such as very low, ultrahigh, terahertz or any other (e.g., more or less than 10,000 Hz; 5,000Hz; 1,000 Hz). In some embodiments, communications are based on the IEEE802.x protocol or IEEE 802.15.6 protocol.

As described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,182, the sensors are also able todetect: a pH value, a charge (e.g. of an ion or a polyelectrolyte), atemperature, a mass, an aggregation state, water content, hematocritvalue, and/or a presence or absence and/or a quantity of an analyte orother substance (such as a fat, a salt, an ion, a polyelectrolyte, asugar, a nucleotide, DNA, RNA, a peptide, a protein, an antibody, anantigen, a drug, a toxin, a hormone, a neurotransmitter, a metabolite, ametabolic product, and/or any other analyte of interest), any biomarkerswhich form a variable component of the human or animal body, such asalbumins/globulins, alkaline phosphatase, alpha-1-globulin,alpha-2-globulin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, alpha-1-fetoprotein,alpha-amylases, alpha-hydroxybutyrate-dehydrogenase, ammonia,antithrombin III, bicarbonate, bilirubin, carbohydrate antigen 19-9,carcinoembryonic antigens, chloride, cholesterol, cholinesterase,cobalamin/vitamin B12, coeruloplasmin, C-reactive proteins, cystatin C,D-dimers, iron, erythropoetin, erythrocytes, ferritin, fetuin-Afibrinogen, folic acid/vitamin B9, free tetrajodthyronine (fT4), freetrijodthyronine (fT3), gamma-glutamyl transferase, glucose, glutamatedehydrogenase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvatetransaminase, glycohemoglobin, hematocrit, hemoglobin, haptoglobin, uricacid, urea, HDL cholesterol, homocysteine, immunoglobulin A,immunoglobulin E, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, INR, calium,calcium, creatinine, creatine kinase, copper, lactate, lactatedehydrogenase, LDL cholesterol, leukocytes, lipase, lipoprotein,magnesium, corpuscular hemoglobins, myoglobin, sodium, NT-proBNP/BNP,phosphate, prostate-specific antigens, reticulocytes, thrombocytes,transferrin, triglycerides, troponin T, or drugs such as muscarinicreceptor antagonists, neuromuscular blocking substances, cholesterolesterase inhibitors, adrenoceptor agonists, indirectly actingsympathomimetics, methylxanthine, alpha-adrenoreceptor antagonists,ergot alkaloids, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists, inactivation inhibitors,antisympathonics, 5-HT receptor agonists, histamine receptor agonists,histamine receptor antagonists, analgesics, local anesthetics,sedatives, anticonvulsants, convulsants, muscle relaxants,antiparkinsonians, neuroleptics, antidepressants, lithium,tranquilizers, immunsuppressants, antirheumatics, antiarrhythmics,antibiotics, ACE inhibitors, aldosterone receptor antagonists,diuretics, vasodilatators, positive inotropic substances,antithrombotic/thrombolytic substances, laxatives, antidiarrheal agents,pharmaceuticals for adiposity, uricostatics, uricosurics, antilipemics,antidiabetics, antithypoglycemia, hormones, iodized salts, threostatics,iron, vitamins, trace elements, virostatics, antimycotics,antituberculotics, and substances for tumor chemotherapy. However, anyother item for detection can be detected by the sensor system. The itempreferably relates to a variable component of the animal body and/orhuman body.

In some embodiments, detecting/sensing utilizes a receptor or receptorlayer that causes a measurable reaction with the item to be measured.Exemplary receptors are peptides, proteins, enzymes, antibodies andfragments, RNA, DNA, nucleotides, fats, sugars, salts, ions, cyclicmacromolecules, and any other suitable substances.

The nano-node 100 and/or nano-routers 102 are able to be injected,implanted, ingested, inhaled, attached/affixed (e.g., on a tooth, dentalfilling), applied transdermally, and/or any other method of application.

In some embodiments, a nano-node 100 becomes stationary (e.g.,injected/implanted into muscle or attaches to a body wall), and measuresbody temperature, pressure, chemical/biological/biochemicalconcentrations and/or other information, and the acquired information iscommunicated to the nano-micro interface 104 (via one or more nano-nodes100 and/or one or more nano-routers 102).

In some embodiments, a nano-node 100 is mobile, capable of moving withinthe user's body (e.g., in blood, lymph or other bodily fluid). Thenano-node 100 is configured such that it will not cause a blockage(e.g., fewer than 5 microns in diameter in any direction). When anano-node 100 does not have its own power source (e.g., battery), poweris continuously acquired by the nano-node 100 through induction, RFcoupling, or another means, or the nano-node 100 does not acquireenergy.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 include body-coupledcommunications transceivers capacitively coupled to the skin and use thehuman body as a channel to communicate information.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 each have a specific purpose(e.g., nano-nodes for sensing, nano-nodes for communicating, andnano-nodes for deploying medication). For example, the nano-nodes forsensing and/or medication have limited communication capabilities (e.g.,1-way communications). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 are ableto perform multiple tasks. In some embodiments, the physical areanetwork includes a variety of specific purpose nano-nodes.

As described herein, the nano-node 100 is able to function by itself orcollectively with other devices (e.g., other nano-nodes 100 or otherdevices).

As described herein, the nano-micro interface 104 is able to be anyexternal device such as a smart watch, smart clothing, smart jewelry, asmart phone and/or any other computing device. In some embodiments, thenano-micro interface 104 includes a display for showing a Graphical UserInterface (GUI), a voice-activated system, and/or any other interface.The GUI is able to be configured specifically for the physical areanetwork including text, icons and/or alerts (visual/audible) specific tothe physical area network. The nano-micro interface 104 is also able todisplay video and/or any other content. In some embodiments, thevoice-activated system recognizes a users voice, and only acceptscommands from recognized/permitted users.

In some embodiments, the nano-micro interface 104 includes an opticalsensor (e.g., CMOS, CCD, photodiode), acoustic sensor (e.g.,piezoelectric, piezoceramic), electrochemical sensor (voltage,impedance), thermal sensor, mechanical sensor (e.g., pressure, strain),magnetic sensor, and/or electromagnetic sensor (e.g., RF, magneticresonance).

In some embodiments, the physical area network includes a control unit106. In some embodiments, the control unit 106 controls aspects of theBAN such as the nano-nodes and nano-routers. In some embodiments, awearable device such as a smart watch includes/is the control unit 106.In some embodiments, the control unit 106 is not a wearable device andis a stationary device such as a hub/router. The control unit 106 and/oranother unit (e.g., sensor units) are able to acquire externalinformation such as temperature, light, humidity, time, date, location,altitude, social networking information, and/or any other information.In some embodiments, the nano-micro interface 104 and the control unit106 are or part of a wearable device such as a smart watch.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of implementing a physical area networkaccording to some embodiments. In the step 200, a physical area networkis positioned/configured. For example, nano-nodes and/or nano-routersare implanted, injected, inhaled, swallowed, attached, and/or otherwisepositioned in place or positioned to enable the nano-nodes and/ornano-routers to move or be moved into a desired location. Furthering theexample, some nano-nodes and/or nano-routers are stationary, some areable to be moved using an external source, and some are able to moveautonomously. Additionally, a nano-micro interface is able to bepositioned (e.g., a user wears a smart watch or puts on smart clothing).In some embodiments, configuration steps are implemented as well such asthe nano-nodes communicating their position to enable a server deviceand/or the nano-micro interface to generate a map. Additionally,communications are able to be configured and/or any other configurationsteps are able to be implemented. In the step 202, information isacquired using the physical area network. The information is able to beacquired using nano-nodes (e.g., using nano-sensors to detectsubstances/information) as described herein. The information is alsoable to be received from external devices (e.g., social network, medicalstudy) to be used by the physical area network. In the step 204, theacquired information is communicated. For example, the nano-nodescommunicate with each other and/or the nano-routers and/or thenano-micro interface (and/or another device). Similarly, the nano-microinterface is able to communicate external information/commands to thenano-routers and/or the nano-nodes. The communications are able to beimplemented in any manner using various techniques for efficient, safe,and clear transmission. In the step 206, an action is taken based on theacquired information. The action is able to include displaying amessage, sounding an alarm/alert, performing analysis, forwarding theinformation, providing/deploying medication, performing medicalprocedures, and/or any other action described herein. In someembodiments, fewer or additional steps are implemented. In someembodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

Cancer

A nano-node 100 (or nano-nodes) is/are implanted in or near atumor/cancer site for real-time monitoring of treatment delivereddirectly to the tumor. In another example, multiple nano-nodes 100 arepositioned around the tumor to detect treatment/spread of the tumor. Forexample, one or more nano-nodes 100 measure signal/reflections off thetumor, changes in electrical permittivity, magnetic permeability,turbidity, light transmission/reflection, blood/tumor markerconcentrations, and/or any other information. Mitosis rate sensing isable to be implemented as well. Furthering the example, some of thenano-nodes are able to be treatment nodes which delivermedication/radiation to the cancer cells.

In some embodiments, the physical area network is implemented to providecancer immunotherapy. In some implementations, the cancer immunotherapyis implemented as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication2018/0200194 to Bhujwalla et al., titled, “DECOY NANOPARTICLES TODISRPUT CANCER CELL-STROMAL CELL NETWORKS,” which is hereby incorporatedby reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Nano-nodes of the physical area network are able to be coated withplasma membrane derived from cancer cells. These plasma membrane-coatednano-nodes retain the membrane-associated components (lipids, proteins,and carbohydrates) in a native-like state within the cell membranesafter isolation and translocation to the surface of nano-nodes where allcomponents present in the right-side-out orientation. In someembodiments, the plasma membrane-coated nano-nodes replicate the complexsurface of the cancer cell plasma membrane on the nano-node surface.This further allows the nano-nodes to act: (1) as decoys to misdirectcancer signaling or (2) as vaccines to activate the immune response to auser's cancer. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes are loaded withtherapeutic cargoes or imaging reporters for treating or detectingcancer, respectively. In some embodiments, the compositions and methodsdescribed herein are used to treat cancer. Any type of cancer is able tobe detected/treated such as breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer,brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer,liver cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, intestinal cancer,bladder cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer,testicular cancer, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, retinoblastoma, oralcancer, bone cancer, neoplasia, dysplasia, and glioma.

Stromal cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mediate manyof the aggressive characteristics of cancer (Horimoto Y, Polanska U M,Takahashi Y, Orimo A. Emerging roles of the tumor-associated stroma inpromoting tumor metastasis. Cell Adh Migr. 2012; 6(3):193-202), but havean ever-replenishing supply that is largely left intact by currenttherapeutic strategies (Eyden B. The myofibroblast: phenotypiccharacterization as a prerequisite to understanding its functions intranslational medicine. J Cell Mol Med. 2008; 12(1):22-37). Because oftheir important functional roles, destroying stromal cells that assistcancer cells is not a viable solution. Instead, as described herein,disrupting communications between cancer cells and stromal cells is auseful strategy. Nano-nodes that attach to CAFs and disrupt theCXCL12-CXCR4 axis are described herein, which has a wide spectrum ofroles in facilitating breast cancer invasion and metastasis throughbreast cancer-CAF signaling.

Also provided is the functionalization of degradablepoly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymeric nano-nodes with a layerof cell membrane derived from CXCR4-overexpressed U87MG (U87-CXCR4)cells to form a core-shell nanostructure (Fang, R. et al., Nano Lett.2014, 14, 2181-2188). Because of the specific expression of alpha smoothmuscle actin (α-SMA) on CAFs, the membrane-coated nano-nodes are labeledwith antibodies against α-SMA to guide the nano-nodes to attach to CAFsand act as a nanosponge that absorbs CXCL12 secreted by CAFs.

Described herein is the coating of synthetic polymeric nano-nodes withplasma membranes derived from various cancer cells. Themembrane-associated components (lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates) areretained in a native-like state within the cell membranes afterisolation and translocation to the surface of nano-nodes where allcomponents present in the right-side-out orientation. This biomimeticstrategy provides the advantage of replicating the complex surface ofthe cancer cell plasma membrane profile on nano-nodes and consequently,this technology provides a robust means of using nano-nodes as, e.g.,decoys to misdirect cancer cell signaling or as cancer vaccines thatactivate immune responses to an individual's cancer along with acapacity to carry a range of therapeutic cargoes or imaging reportersfor cell-specific delivery applications.

Described herein is the harnessing of cancer cell plasma membranes asbiologically functional coatings for polymeric nano-nodes. Cancer cellplasma membrane fractions possess a comprehensive array of antigens innative conformations, the complexity of which is unlikely to beduplicated by any synthetic chemistry or structural biology strategy.Being biomimetic means that these nano-nodes possess natural attributesof the host's biology and as such have stealth-like properties, e.g.,less immunogenicity than antigen presentation approaches describedpreviously. Recent advances have demonstrated the feasibility of coatingnano-nodes with red blood cell membranes (RBCs) to mimic RBCs. However,described herein is technology that allows for coating of nano-nodeswith specific biologically functional cancer cell membranes. The utilityof these biomimetic nano-nodes is that they are loaded with, e.g.,therapeutic cargos for cell-specific targeted treatments or they can beused to assist in the activation of the immune response against a canceror to disrupt/abrogate fatal cancer cell signaling/survival. A distinctadvantage is the use of a patient's cancer cells as the origin of themembranes for such strategies, which fully aligns with the concept ofpersonalized medicine.

The biomimetic nano-node formulation technology includes or consists oftwo components: (1) the plasma membrane fractions (MFs) of cancer cellsisolated under a sequential process of hypotonic lysing, Potter-Elvehjemhomogenization and Percoll® density gradient centrifugation, whichallows for the isolation of pure plasma MFs as flexible bilayer vesicleswith an average size of approximately 200 nm; and (2) polymericnano-nodes including or consisting of carboxy-terminatedpolylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), an FDA-approved biodegradablepolymer, which forms spherical negatively charged particles in the rangeof 40-60 nm through the processes of precipitation and evaporation. Afar-red fluorescent dye,1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindodicarbocyanine,4-chlorobenzenesulfonate salt (DiD, ex/em: 644 nm/665 nm) isincorporated into the PLGA core for fluorescently tracking nano-nodes.To generate biologically functional biomimetic nanoparticles, MFs andPLGA nano-nodes are mixed and subjected to physical extrusion through apolycarbonate porous membrane. The extrusion process creates a uniformunilamellar MF coating with a thickness of 5 nm encapsulating the PLGAnano-nodes. The mechanical force of the extrusion process guides themembrane-particle assembly while the electrostatic interaction betweenPLGA nano-nodes and MFs enables the efficient and complete translocationof the fully functional plasma membrane with all of its associatedcomponents onto the polymeric nano-node surface in a “right-side-out”manner. This facile membrane coating approach is scalable and highlyreproducible. As noted above, the utility of these biomimetic nano-nodesis that they are loaded with, e.g., therapeutic cargos for cell-specifictargeted treatments or they are used to assist in the activation of theimmune response against a cancer or to disrupt/abrogate fatal cancercell signaling/survival. A distinct advantage is the use of a patient'scancer cells as the origin of the membranes for such strategies, whichfully aligns with the concept of personalized medicine.

In some embodiments, the physical area network implements one or moremethods of treating cancer based on immunotherapy by inducing, enhancingor suppressing an immune system response. Immunotherapies such asactivation immunotherapies or suppression immunotherapies are able to beimplemented to use the immune system to treat cancer. Immunotherapiesare able to be one or more of the following groups: cellular, antibodyand cytokine. Immunotherapies exploit the subtle differences on thesurfaces of the cancer cells (e.g., different molecules) which are ableto be detected by the immune system and/or physical area network. Themolecules are known as cancer antigens, which are typically proteins orcarbohydrates. Immunotherapy is able to be used to induce/provoke theimmune system into attacking the tumor cells by using the antigens astargets.

Antibody therapies are the most successful immunotherapy and can be usedto treat a wide range of cancers. Antibodies are proteins produced bythe immune system that bind to a target antigen on the cell surface. Innormal physiology, the immune system uses antibodies to fight pathogens.Each antibody is specific to one or a few proteins. Those that bind tocancer antigens are used to treat cancer. Cell surface receptors, e.g.,CD20, CD274, and CD279, are common targets for antibody therapies. Oncebound to a cancer antigen, antibodies can induce antibody-dependentcell-mediated cytotoxicity, activate the complement system, or prevent areceptor from interacting with its ligand, all of which can lead to celldeath. Multiple antibodies are approved to treat cancer, includingAlemtuzumab, Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Ofatumumab, and Rituximab.

Cellular therapies, also known as cancer vaccines, usually involve theremoval of immune cells from the blood or from a tumor. Immune cellsspecific for the tumor are activated, cultured and returned to thepatient where the immune cells attack the cancer. Cell types that can beused in this way are natural killer cells, lymphokine-activated killercells, cytotoxic T cells and dendritic cells. In some embodiments, thephysical area network assists in attacking the cancer. For example, thenano-nodes deliver medication to the cancerous cells in addition to theperforming immunotherapy. In another example, the nano-nodes monitor theprogress of the cancer (e.g., by detecting certain chemical triggers ordetecting a physical mass). In another example, the nano-nodes monitorthe immune system (response) by detecting certain chemical/biologicallevels in the blood.

Interleukin-2 and interferon-a are examples of cytokines, proteins thatregulate and coordinate the behavior of the immune system. They have theability to enhance anti-tumor activity and thus can be used as cancertreatments. Interferon-a is used in the treatment of hairy-cellleukemia, AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, follicular lymphoma, chronicmyeloid leukemia and malignant melanoma. Interleukin-2 is used in thetreatment of malignant melanoma and renal cell carcinoma.

Decoys are often employed to achieve distraction or misdirection. Thedevelopment of decoy nano-nodes that distract or misdirect cancer cellsor cancer-associated stromal cells results in a disruption ofinteractions between cancer cells and stromal cells. In someembodiments, the physical area network provides for the development ofbiomimetic nano-nodes comprising or consisting of FDA approvedpoly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA, covered with cancer cell membranesto act as decoys to misdirect or distract cancer cells, orcancer-associated stromal cells. Once developed and characterized, thenano-nodes are evaluated for their ability to attach to cancer cells,and activated fibroblasts in circulation, and at primary or distanttumor sites. In some cases, the nano-nodes are decorated with an imagingreporter to characterize their biodistribution in vivo and ex vivo. Suchnano-nodes have not been previously developed for applications incancer. In an example, the nano-nodes attract circulating cancer cells,circulating stromal cells, and/or disrupt the spontaneous orexperimental metastatic cascade in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).Stromal cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mediate manyof the aggressive characteristics of cancer (Horimoto Y, Polanska U M,Takahashi Y, Orimo A. Emerging roles of the tumor-associated stroma inpromoting tumor metastasis. Cell Adh Migr. 2012; 6(3):193-202), but havean ever-replenishing supply that was largely left intact by therapeuticstrategies prior (Eyden B. The myofibroblast: phenotypiccharacterization as a prerequisite to understanding its functions intranslational medicine. J Cell Mol Med. 2008; 12(1):22-37) (Eyden B,Banerjee S S, Shenjere P, Fisher C. The myofibroblast and its tumours. JClin Pathol. 2009; 62(3):236-49). Therefore, even following surgery orchemotherapy, a few surviving cancer cells that ordinarily would notsurvive on their own continue to have a host of stromal cells to assistthem in reestablishment, either at the primary site or at a distantsite. Because of their important functional roles, destroying stromalcells that assist cancer cells is not a viable solution in someembodiments. Instead, as described herein, disrupting communicationsbetween cancer cells and stromal cells is a useful strategy. TNBCs arethe most lethal breast cancers and have limited treatment options. Sincethe CXCL12-CXCR4 axis has a wide spectrum of roles in facilitatingbreast cancer invasion and metastasis through breast cancer cell-CAFsignaling, the role of high and low CXCR4 expressing cancer cellmembrane-coated nano-nodes in disrupting cancer cell-CAF interactions isinvestigated as described. CAFs also play a major role in the formationof collagen 1 (Col1) fibers in tumors. Therefore, the functional effectsof these nano-nodes on Col1 fiber patterns in primary and metastatictumors are also evaluated. In some embodiments, such nano-nodes areloaded with a therapeutic cargo for targeting the premetastatic niche oreliminating circulating cancer cells, or they are used to assist in theactivation of the immune response. These nano-nodes are also labeledwith magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents or radiolabeled fordetection using human MR or positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.These studies identify new, clinically translatable strategies todisrupt the metastatic cascade in breast cancer, and represent a newstrategy in developing effective treatments to prevent metastatic breastcancer.

The physical area network provides for the development andcharacterization of cancer cell membrane covered nano-nodes that containan optical imaging reporter. Cancer cell membranes from triple negativemetastatic DU4475 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells are used inthese studies. The physical area network also provides for theevaluation of the interaction between the developed nano-nodes andfibroblasts and cancer cells in terms of migration and binding inculture, and the determination of the effects on tumor growth, Col1fiber formation, and metastasis.

As described herein, decoy nano-nodes covered with cancer cell membranesmimic cancer cells and disrupt cancer cell-stromal cell interactions,reduce Col1 fiber formation in primary and metastatic tumors, anddecrease the establishment of breast cancer metastasis.

Two triple (ER/PR/HER2) negative human breast cancer cell lines, DU4475and MDA-MB-231 with high and low CXCR4 receptor expression (NimmagaddaS, Pullambhatla M, Stone K, Green G, Bhujwalla Z M, Pomper M G.Molecular imaging of CXCR4 receptor expression in human cancerxenografts with [64Cu]AMD3100 positron emission tomography. Cancer Res.2010; 70(10):3935-4) are selected for these studies. In addition,MDA-MB-231 cells express the CD44 antigen (Krishnamachary B, Penet M F,Nimmagadda S, Mironchik Y, Raman V, Solaiyappan M, Semenza G L, Pomper MG, Bhujwalla Z M. Hypoxia regulates CD44 and its variant isoformsthrough HIF-1alpha in triple negative breast cancer. PLoS One. 2012;7(8):e44078), a marker associated with stem-like breast cancer cells(Angeloni V, Tiberio P, Appierto V, Daidone M G. Implications ofstemness-related signaling pathways in breast cancer response totherapy. Seminars in cancer biology. (2014), that provide additionalvalidation of cell membrane integrity. Cancer cells from these two celllines are used to form membrane vesicles to coat the nano-nodes. Thenano-nodes also contain an imaging reporter.

Also provided are injectable nano-nodes to disrupt the establishment ofbreast cancer metastasis in humans. Biocompatibility is important,making the use of biomimetic nano-nodes relevant. For example, thepatient's own cancer cells are used to synthesize the nano-nodes forpersonalized medicine. Following nano-node synthesis, characterizationof toxicity, binding, stability and functional effects are performed ina culture. Studies assist in identifying optimum doses for in vivocharacterization that determine the effects of nano-nodes on tumorgrowth, metastasis, Col1 fiber formation, and the presence of CAFs. Thepotential use of these nano-nodes in identifying the premetastatic nichehas also been evaluated. Because of the critically important roles ofstromal cells in several functions including the establishment ofmetastasis, strategies that disrupt the communications between cancercells and stromal cells without destroying them provide solutions toprevent them from assisting cancer cells to survive, invade, andmetastasize. In some cases, such nano-nodes also carry targetingpeptides and molecular reagents such as complementary deoxyribonucleicacid (cDNA) and small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) to act asmultiple signaling disruptors against a spectrum of stromal cells todisrupt cancer cell survival and the establishment of metastasis.

Also provided are decoy nano-nodes that disrupt the interactions betweencancer cells and stromal cells in an effort to define biomembranecoated-nano-node-based strategies to prevent or attenuate breast cancermetastasis.

Recent advances in polymeric nanoparticles camouflaged in cellularmembranes have paved the way for entirely new strategies in cancer (Hu CM, Fang R H, Copp J, Luk B T, Zhang L. A biomimetic nanosponge thatabsorbs pore-forming toxins. Nature nanotechnology. 2013; 8(5):336-40)(Fang R H, Hu C M, Chen K N, Luk B T, Carpenter C W, Gao W, Li S, ZhangD E, Lu W, Zhang L. Lipidinsertion enables targeting functionalizationof erythrocyte membrane-cloaked nanoparticles. Nanoscale. 2013;5(19):8884-8) (Hu C M, Fang R H, Luk B T, Zhang L. Polymericnanotherapeutics: clinical development and advances in stealthfunctionalization strategies. Nanoscale. 2014; 6(1):65-75) (Luk B T,Jack Hu C M, Fang R H, Dehaini D, Carpenter C, Gao W, Zhang L.Interfacial interactions between natural RBC membranes and syntheticpolymeric nanoparticles. Nanoscale. 2014; 6(5):2730-2737). Theseadvances have demonstrated the feasibility of coating nano-nodes in a‘right-side’ out manner using red blood cell (RBC) membranes to mimicRBCs, and act as nanosponges for toxins. Described herein are nano-nodescoated with cancer cell membranes, initially to act as nanosponges forCXCL12 in studies, and to act as potential decoys. The major advantageis that the patient's cancer cells can be cultured and used for suchstrategies. If these nano-nodes arrive at a premetastatic niche, theyare also used to disrupt this niche, by carrying molecular targetingagents to prevent metastasis. The nano-nodes also enhance immunotherapystrategies by presenting cell surface antigens.

In some embodiments, the cancer immunotherapy utilizes and/or is linkedto any of the other aspects described herein. For example, whileimmuotherapy is being implemented with the physical area network,gaming/videos are able to be utilized in conjunction as describedherein. For example, the cancer decoys are implemented in a user's body,and a corresponding video game is implemented on a virtual realityheadset, where the user plays by detecting cancer cells, deployingcancer decoys and/or using nano-nodes to attack the cancer cells.

In an exemplary cancer immunotherapy implementation, a physical areanetwork includes a first set of nano-nodes encapsulated with aplasma-membrane derived from a cancer cell, and a second set ofnano-nodes including a communication device and a plurality of chambersfor containing different substances, such as inert substances whenseparate, but when mixed, the substances are activated and/or treat/killthe cancer. For example, a first chamber includes Adriamycin and asecond chamber includes Cytoxan. Other examples of combinations ofseparate substances are Adriamycin and Taxotere; or Cytoxan,Methotrexate and Fluorouracil (with three separate chambers). Derivingthe plasma-membrane from a cancer cell is able to be performed in anymanner such as extracting the cancer cell from the user, processing thecancer cell including separating aspects of the cancer cell to obtain a“skin” or “shell” of the cancer cell which is able to be used as thecoating. The coating is then placed on the nano-nodes in any manner suchas placing the coating and the nano-nodes in a container and mixing thetwo to coat the nano-nodes. In another example, a cancer cell isisolated, the cancer cell is fractionated into one or more plasmamembrane-derived vesicles, polymeric nano-nodes are synthesized and theplasma membrane-derived vesicle is fused with the nano-node. Furtherdetails on deriving the coating and applying the coating are able to befound in the U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018/0200194. Thenano-nodes are able to be deployed in any manner such as by injection,inhalation, and/or ingestion. Any of the nano-nodes are able to includeone or more chambers for storing items such as medications. Any of thenano-nodes are able to include sensor components. The nano-nodes areable to be positioned based on DNA methylation as described herein. Thefirst set of nano-nodes and/or the second set of nano-nodes communicatewith each other, additional nano-nodes, one or more nano-routers and/orone or more nano-micro interfaces. The nano-router is able to be used totrigger the first set of nano-nodes to activate an immune responseagainst the cancer cell to treat the cancer. In some embodiments, thecommunicating nano-nodes and medication nano-nodes are separate sets ofnano-nodes. The physical area network components are able to utilizeencryption/decryption schemes, THz, communication, in vivo communicationwhich accounts for the medium the communication is being sent through,and/or translation implementations. The nano-nodes, nano-routers andnano-micro interface are able to be used in conjunction to implement agaming system corresponding to the cancer treatment as described herein.The nano-nodes are able to be stationary or mobile and move viamagnetism, autonomously (e.g., based on sensors), random movement, flowand/or any other manner. Determining a size of a tumor or other medicalissue is able to be based on surrounding the tumor or part of the tumorwith nano-nodes which are capable of measuring distances between eachnano-node as described herein, and based on the number of nano-nodes(and calculated distances), a size is able to be computed. The physicalarea network is able to communicate with a social network or otherdevices through the social network. The nano-nodes and/or nano-routesare able to include ID codes and/or family IDs. The information acquiredby the physical area network is able to be processed and analyzed in anymanner and for any purpose. Any other aspects described herein are ableto be incorporated or used with the cancer immunotherapy implementation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing cancerimmunotherapy according to some embodiments. In the step 300, thephysical area network is positioned. For example, nano-nodes areinjected, ingested, inhaled, and/or implanted. In the step 302, cancer(or another illness/issue) is detected. For example, DNA methylationdetection is implemented. In another example, nano-nodes detect a massbased on mobility issues (e.g., nano-node is blocked or not moving). Inanother example, the nano-nodes are utilized with a medical imagingdevice. In the step 304, cancer immunotherapy (or another immunotherapy)is implemented as described herein. In some embodiments, the cancerimmunotherapy includes utilizing decoys. In the step 306, an action istaken. The action taken is able to include one or more actions. Forexample, in addition to implementing immunotherapy, medication isdelivered to the cancer by the nano-nodes. In another example,nano-nodes are used to measure the size of the cancer and communicatethe information to the nano-micro interface and/or another device (e.g.,doctor device). In another example, the nano-nodes communicate progressof the immunotherapy. In another example, as described herein, thenano-nodes communicate with the nano-micro interface which communicateswith a gaming system/mobile device to implement a correspondinggame/video. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

In an exemplary method, a method of treating cancer includes positioninga physical area network in a user and activating an immune responseagainst the cancer cell in the user, thereby treating the cancer. Thephysical area network includes a first set of nano-nodes and a secondset of nano-nodes. The surface of each nano-node in the first set ofnano-nodes is encapsulated with one or more plasma membrane-associatedcomponents. The plasma membrane is derived from a cancer cell and asecond set of nano-nodes. Each nano-node in the second set of nano-nodesincludes a communication device to communicate with a nano-node, anano-router and/or a nano-micro interface.

In another exemplary method, a method of disrupting cancer cell-stromalcell signaling in a user includes isolating a cancer cell from the user,administering to the user a composition including a nano-node, where thenano-node surface is encapsulated with one or more plasmamembrane-associated components, and where the plasma membrane is derivedfrom the cancer cell, thereby disrupting cancer cell-stromal cellsignaling in the subject. In another example, the method includesisolating a cancer cell from the user, administering to the user acomposition comprising a nano-node, wherein the nano-node surface isencapsulated with one or more plasma membrane-associated components, andwhere the plasma membrane is derived from the cancer cell, where thecomposition includes a detectable label and identifying the detectablelabel, thereby detecting a cancer cell-stromal cell interaction.

An exemplary method of preparing a composition including a nano-node,wherein the nano-node surface is encapsulated with one or more plasmamembrane-associated components, and wherein the plasma membrane isderived from a cancer cell. The method includes: isolating a cancercell, fractionating the cancer cell into one or more plasmamembrane-derived vesicles; synthesizing polymeric nano-nodes; and fusingthe plasma membrane-derived vesicle with the nano-node.

An exemplary composition includes a nano-node, wherein the nano-nodesurface is encapsulated with one or more plasma membrane-associatedcomponents, and where the plasma membrane is derived from a cancer cell.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of utilizing the physical area network toimplement cancer immunotherapy according to some embodiments. Nano-nodedecoys 400 are able to be utilized in the cancer immunotherapy such asby attracting cancer cells 404. The nano-node decoys 400 are able to benano-nodes with a cancer cell membrane and/or another types ofcancer-coating. In some embodiments, the nano-node decoys 400 are ableto include internal components as described herein such as powercomponents, motion components, communication components and processingcomponents. In some embodiments, the nano-node decoys 400 are moresimplistic and do not include additional components. Medicated nano-nodedecoys 402 are able to be deployed which attract the cancer cells andalso include medication (or another substance) which is able to harm orkill the cancer cells. Additional nano-nodes 100 are able to be utilizedto monitor the situation for example, by detecting the number of cancercells, determining a size of a mass and/or detecting anychemical/biological reactions related to the cancer. The nano-nodes 100are able to take other actions such as: deploying medication,communicating with the nano-node decoys 400, and/or communicating withother nano-nodes 100, nano-routers 102 and/or the nano-micro interface104 (e.g., progress or for gaming purposes).

In some embodiments, the one or more nano-nodes 100 are configured todetect methyl-CpG and/or DNA methylation.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 are able to detect biomarkersfor specific cancers and/or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for generalcancer detection. For example, an abnormally high proportion of cfDNAfrom a specific tissue can indicate the possibility of a tumor in thattissue. “CancerLocator: non-invasive cancer diagnosis andtissue-of-origin using methylation profiles of cell-free DNA” by Kang,Shuli, et al., Genome Biology, 2017, describes the process of usingmethylation data to detect cancer.

Nano-nodes 100 are able to be used to detect biomarkers/ctDNA. In someembodiments, since the nano-nodes 100 are able to be positionedthroughout a user's body, the nano-nodes 100 are able to be used todetermine a location of the cancer, attach to the cancer, and/orattack/treat the cancer. For example, if nano-nodes 100 positioned inCSF detect the ctDNA before any other nano-nodes 100 detect the ctDNA,then the detection (including identification information/locationinformation) is sent to the nano-micro 104 interface to indicate thelocation (e.g., brain) of the detection (e.g., possible cancer). Thereal-time detection of the cancer and the location of the cancer willdramatically increase how quickly a user is treated and thus survivalrates.

By detecting methyl-CpG, DNA methylation and/or cancer biomarkers,instead of injecting nano-nodes to a specific/target location, thenano-nodes are able to move and locate the cancer. For example, thenano-nodes are ingested or injected into a user's bloodstream, and thenbased on detection and analysis, the nano-nodes navigate to a desiredlocation such as a cancer site. For example, after the methyl-CpG orother markers are detected, the user undergoes additional medicalimaging/testing. Then, based on the additional information, directionalinformation is able to be sent to the nano-nodes for them to move.Furthering the example, a user uses the nano-micro interface to sendcancer-location information, or the information is automatically sentfrom a medical device to the nano-nodes.

Methylation patterns/signatures of tumor cells are altered compared tothose of normal cells. In some embodiments, the methylationpatterns/signatures are detected using a nano-node 100 which istransmitted to the nano-micro interface 104. For example, small amountsof DNA are able to be captured. Once captured, DNA methylation may bemonitored by restriction enzyme digestion or bisulfite conversionfollowed by amplification of the desired genomic region with thepolymerase chain reaction. Methyl-binding protein or antibodies thatbind specifically to methylated-CpG residues are able to be used tointerrogate the status of “DNA methyome” of diseased tissue in anefficient manner. [Tsou et al., DNA methylation analysis: a powerful newtool for lung cancer diagnosis, Oncogene (2002) 21, 5450-561 and Qureshiet al., Utility of DNA methylation markers for diagnosing cancer,International Journal of Surgery 8 (2010) 194-198]

Pacific Biosciences has developed a real-time single molecule sequencingapproach that is able to recognize methylated nucleotides fromfluorescently labeled nucleotides present within a DNA strand. A changein the fluorescense pulse is represented by the DNA polymerasecatalyzing the labeled nucleotides. Researchers from the University ofIllinois have developed a technique to detect DNA methylation throughthe use of nanopore sensors. After a specific methyl-CpG nucleotidebinding domain protein (MBD1) is applied to DNA, a vertical ioniccurrent is generated to present across the nanopore. This method hasbeen shown to avoid overlapping in the methylations pattern, ensuringaccuracy and precision. [Cuffari, Benedette, Nanotechnology in 2017: TheStory So Far, <www.azonnano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4443]

Medical Imaging

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes are positioned to assist in medicalimaging (e.g., an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, x-ray). For example, thenano-nodes are able to include materials/chemicals to help distinguishfeatures while acquiring a medical image. Furthering the example, thenano-nodes are ingested to help outline a user's esophagus, stomach,intestines, liver, gall bladder, and/or other organs. Similarly, thenano-nodes are able to be inserted into the amniotic fluid to help withan ultrasound of a fetus. For example, the nano-node payload includes ametal ion, atom, or cluster, and then the nano-nodes are positioned inthe user's body in any manner described herein. Medical imaging is thenapplied, and the metal of the nano-node is able to help display theoutline of a tumor, a blockage in an artery, a hole/gap where thereshould not be one, and/or any other issue/feature.

Nanodiamonds are able to be used for medicine delivery and imaging.Nanodiamonds are approximately 5 nm in size comprising non-toxicmaterials whose exemplary surface area and related properties provideadvantages for drug medicine delivery and imaging. Researchers fromAthinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MassachussettsGeneral Hospital have coated the surface of nanodiamonds with aparamagnetic gadolinium (III) agent to generate a complex which allowsfor conventional T1-weighted MRI imaging. By incorporating the nuclearOverhauser effect to the 13C nuclei which specifically targets andmagnetically excites the nucleus to alter the equilibrium of thenanodiamond, the researchers were able to overcome maintaininghyperpolarization, and were able to allow for nanodiamond imaging tomaintain its contrast for long-term biological imaging purposes.Nanodiamonds are very useful in tracking nanoparticle accumulation incertain biological regions such as the brain, lymph nodes and the liver.[Cuffari, Benedette, Nanotechnology in 2017: The Story So Far,<www.azonnano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=4443>]

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing medicalimaging according to some embodiments. In the step 500, a physical areanetwork is positioned. As described herein, the nano-nodes and/ornano-routers are able to be positioned in any manner such as injection,ingestion, and so on. For medical imaging, the nano-nodes will bepositioned or move to a desired location to assist in medical imaging.For example, the nano-nodes are injected into a patient's bloodstreamusing a syringe, and they travel to the patient's liver for medicalimaging of the patient's liver. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes areable to inform a patient or other person (e.g., doctor, technician) thatthey are in place. For example, the nano-nodes determine their locationand/or an accumulation of nano-nodes in a location, and inform thetechnician by communicating through the nano-micro interface, so thatthe technician knows when to begin the medical imaging. In the step 502,medical imaging is performed. For example, an MRI (or any other medicalimaging technique) is performed, and the nano-nodes assist in themedical imaging by providing a clearer image or more distinct features.In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps are implemented. Forexample, in some embodiments, the nano-nodes are configured to activelymove to a location to exit the patient (e.g., bladder) after a period oftime or after receiving a signal that the test is over. In someembodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

Movement

ETH Zurich and Technion researchers have developed an elastic“nanoswimmer” polypyrrole nanowire about 15 micrometers long and 200 nmthick that is able to move through biological fluid at approximately 15micrometers per second. The nanoswimmers are able to be used to delivermedication and magnetically controlled through the bloodstream.[Nanorobots: Where We Are Today and Why Their Future Has AmazingPotential,<https://singularityhub.com/2016/05/16/nanorobots-where-we-are-today-and-why-their-future-has-amazing-potential>

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 include helical flagella formovement. In some embodiments, arms (similar to cilia) vibrate whenreceiving ultrasound or magnetic field from an external source and causethe nano-nodes 100 to move. In some embodiments, an external deviceprovides ultrasonic signals to direct the nano-nodes 100 to a location.For example, the nano-micro interface 104 provides the signals. In someembodiments, the nano-nodes 100 include capacitors and utilize fluids toprovide jet propulsion. The nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102 areable to move utilizing any implementation.

The nano-nodes 100 and/or the nano-routers 102 are able to travel (e.g.,in a user's bloodstream, lymphatic system, digestive system) and/or arepositioned in a specific location (e.g., ear, tooth, brain, foot, and/orany other body part). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 and/ornano-routers 102 are movable using an external source (e.g., using amagnet, electromagnetic device). For example, a nano-node and/ornano-router includes nanoparticles of a magnetic material such as ironsuch that a magnet is able to attract the nano-nodes/nano-routers. Insome embodiments, some nano-nodes and/or nano-routers include theattractive component (e.g., nanoparticles of iron) and somenano-nodes/nano-routers do not, so that only some of the nano-nodes ornano-routers move when desired (e.g., when a magnet is placed near theuser's body or EM field is generated near the user's body). In someembodiments, some nano-nodes and/or nano-routers include a firstmaterial (e.g., nano-particles), and some nano-nodes/nano-routersinclude a second material (e.g., nano-particles), where the firstmaterial is attracted by a magnet and the second material is attractedby (or repelled by) something else such as water or heat (or the secondmaterial is not attracted by a magnet). In some embodiments, thenano-micro interface 104 (e.g., wearable clothing, watch, earrings,necklace) includes a magnetic or electromagnetic component capable ofattracting the magnetic nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102. In someembodiments, the nano-micro interface 104 is able to activate themagnetic/electromagnetic component on demand, periodically (e.g., onceevery hour or at 7 p), randomly and/or any other activation aspects.

In some embodiments, the one or more nano-nodes 100 and/or the one ormore nano-routers 102 move around the body. In some embodiments, the oneor more nano-nodes 100 and/or the one or more nano-routers 102 moveautonomously. For example, the nano-nodes 100 or nano-routers 102 movein a continuous forward direction, move with or against the flow ofbodily fluids (e.g., blood), and/or move within a specific bodylocation/area (e.g., based on oxygen levels, salinity levels, tissuedetection, magnetization, EM levels). With movement, the communicationbetween the nano-nodes 100 and the one or more nano-routers 102 may bedisrupted. There are several solutions to this issue. The nano-nodes 100are able to communicate with each other to send information from onenano-node to other nano-nodes to reach a nano-router 102. For example,the fewest hops from a first nano-node to a nano-router is determined,and the nano-nodes each transmit the information from the firstnano-node to the next until the information reaches the nano-router.Similarly, when communicating commands from the nano-micro interface 104to the nano-nodes 100, the information is communicated from anano-router 102 to nano-nodes until the information reaches the targetnano-node.

In some embodiments, each nano-node and/or nano-router has aspecific/designated body location. For example, a first group ofnano-nodes and a nano-router are positioned in the small intestine, asecond group of nano-nodes and a nano-router are positioned near thebrain (e.g., in the cerebral spinal fluid), and a third group ofnano-nodes and a nano-router are positioned in/near the heart.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of movement of nano-nodes according tosome embodiments. In the step 600, the physical area network ispositioned (e.g., nano-nodes are ingested, injected). In the step 602,the nano-nodes move to a desired location. In some embodiments, thenano-nodes move to a specific location and stay in that location (e.g.,stay in the CBF). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes continuously move(e.g., in a user's blood stream). As described herein the nano-nodes areable to move as clusters or individually, and are able to move in anymanner (e.g., via vibration, flagella, cilia, propulsion). In someembodiments, the nano-nodes move autonomously, by receiving asignal/instruction, by being pulled using an electromagnet and/or anyother manner. Nano-routers are also able to move in the same or similarmanners as the nano-nodes. In some embodiments, fewer or additionalsteps are implemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps ismodified.

Communication/Terahertz

The nano-nodes 100, nano-routers 102, nano-micro interface 104 andcontrol unit 106 are able to communicate using any manner ofcommunication. In some embodiments, each component uses the same form ofcommunication, and in some embodiments, a variety of communicationimplementations are utilized. For example, nano-nodes communicate withother nano-nodes and nano-routers using a first implementation, but thenano-micro interface and the control unit utilize a secondimplementation. Some possible forms of communication include molecularcommunication and nano-electromagnetic communication.

Molecular communication involves transmitting and receiving informationencoded in molecules. Nano-nodes encode information into informationmolecules (e.g., DNA, proteins, peptides). Information is able to betransmitted within a DNA component. Routing at a micro gateway inmolecular nano networks is able to be query-based.

Nano-electromagnetic communication involves transmitting and receivingelectromagnetic radiation from components based on nanomaterials.

In some embodiments, graphene-based nano antennas are utilized to sendand receive information in the terahertz band. For example, thenano-nodes, nano-routers and/or nano-micro interfaces includegraphene-based nano-antennas with graphene strips that are a fewnano-meters to a few micrometers long and roughly 10 times that wide orvice versa (e.g., 10 nano-meters long and 1 nanometer wide, or 10nanometers wide and 1 micrometer long) combined with semiconductingmaterials such as indium gallium arsenide. The graphene is a one atomthick sheet of bonded carbon atoms in a honeycomb crystal lattice. Insome embodiments, the graphene is formed into nano-ribbons, rolled intocarbon nanotubes or formed into bucky balls (graphene spheres). Thesegraphene structures are able to be on the scale of less than 50 nm,including as small as 1 nm or smaller.

In some embodiments, the antenna is configured to communicate in theterahertz range (e.g., 0.1-10 THz and beyond up to optical frequencies).For example, plasmonic nano-antennas are utilized as described inElayan, Hadeel, et al. In Vivo Communication in Wireless Body AreaNetworks. In some embodiments, the body is modeled as a collection ofelements such as cells, organelles, proteins and others with differentgeometries, arrangements, electrical properties and optical properties.

In vivo communication is a signal transmission field which utilizes thehuman body as a transmission medium for electrical signals. Electricalcurrent induction into the human tissue is enabled through transceivers.In some embodiments, the information is encoded and compressed before orduring transmission. A transmitter transmits the information using acurrent-controlled coupler unit which couples/attaches to a user's body(e.g., veinous wall, muscle, internal organ, bone). The user's body actsas the transmission channel. Electrical signals travel into/through thehuman tissue. A receiver (e.g., an analog detector) receives the signaltraveling through the tissue. In some embodiments, the receiver (onanother nano-node 100 or a nano-router 102) amplifies the inducedsignal. In some embodiments, the nano-node 100 or the nano-router 102converts the signal to a digital signal (e.g., using A/D converter) andperforms data demodulation, decoding and/or extracting. In the in vivochannel, the electromagnetic wave passes through various dissimilarmedia that have different electrical properties. [Elayan, Hadeel, etal., In Vivo Communications in Wireless Body Area Networks]

In some embodiments, the dissimilar media is accounted for whencommunicating. For example, when communicating through fat, a signal isamplified or uses more power, than compared to communicating throughbone, or vice versa. In some embodiments, based on the medium (e.g.,blood, fat, bone, muscle, tendon), the frequency used for communicationis modified (e.g., lower frequency for fat than for bone, or viceversa). In some embodiments, nano-nodes are designed to vary theirfrequency, and in some embodiments, different types of nano-nodes aregenerated (e.g., first set of nano-nodes communicates at a very highfrequency, a second set of nano-nodes communicates at a high frequency,and a third set of nano-nodes communicates at a low frequency), anddepending on the medium to communicate through, the appropriatenano-node is utilized to communicate. For example, a nano-node designedto communicate through blood acquires/receives information (e.g., from asensor node) and communicates the information to a nano-node designed tocommunicate through bone which communicates the information to anano-node designed to communicate through skin to a nano-router or anano-micro interface.

Any communication implementation is able to be utilized (e.g., WLAN,Bluetooth, Zig-bee, RFID)

Any type of antenna is able to be used (e.g., monopole, dipole, in vivo,ex vivo, MIMO in vivo, SISO). As described herein, the nano-nodes 100and/or nano-routers 102 (with the antennas) are able to be positionedanywhere in the body which may affect signal strength/capacity. In someembodiments, the nano-nodes 100 or nano-routers 102 are able to move(continuously) to find the best signal strength. In some embodiments,the distance between the nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102 ismaintained or kept below a threshold (e.g., 10 μm, 10 mm, 10 cm) toensure adequate signal strength. In some embodiments, instead of or inaddition to distance, the signal strength is monitored to ensureadequate signal strength. For example, in some parts of the body, adistance of 10 cm may be too much, so based on a detected weak signal,the nano-nodes 100 maintain a shorter distance. In some embodiments, thedistance threshold is set after taking initial readings (e.g., of signalstrength), and then the distance threshold is used for maintainingdistance. Distance measuring is able to be performed by any distancemeasuring method such as sending a signal and tracking time fordetection or a response or a reflection. Signal strength measuring isable to be performed in any manner. Specific nano-nodes are able to beused for sensing/detecting/measuring signal strength. The distancethreshold may be based on medium (e.g., bone, blood). For example, acircuit on a nano-node 100, nano-router 102, or nano-micro interface 104is configured to measure an amount of power a received signal has (e.g.,how strong the signal is). In some embodiments, the nan-nodes and/ornano-routers move in a direction that makes the signal stronger bytaking readings and comparing the successive readings and, ifnecessary/desired, go in that direction, until the signal is above thethreshold (or above a second threshold which is higher than the minimumthreshold).

In some embodiments, a subset of nano-nodes are dumb nodes capable oflimited operation such as receiving a signal and transmitting thesignal. For example, the subset of dumb nano-nodes do not have sensorsor other specified elements/components, and are able to perform limitedtasks such as receiving a signal and forwarding/transmitting the signalto a next nano-node (smart or dumb) or a nano-router (which could alsobe smart or dumb).

In some embodiments, nano-node communication includes broadcastinginformation so that the information is able to reach multiplenano-nodes. For example, nano-node 1 broadcasts information which isreceived by nano-nodes 2, 3 and 4; and nano-nodes 2, 3 and 4 eachbroadcast the information, where the broadcast from nano-node 2 does notreach any other nano-nodes, the broadcast from nano-node 3 reachesnano-node 5, and the broadcast from nano-node 4 reaches nano-node 6 andnano-router 1, where nano-router 1 is able to broadcast/transmit theinformation to the nano-micro interface, and the information has made itoutside of the body. In some embodiments, the number of hops is known ordetermined by the nano-nodes or another component, and only thenano-nodes/nano-routers with the shortest path continue to broadcast theinformation.

In some embodiments, nano-nodes are given a specified lifespan, tominimize the number of unsuspected, dead nano-nodes. In someembodiments, the nano-nodes periodically communicate an “alive” signal.In some embodiments, each nano-node periodically communicates an IDnumber, and a database (on the nano-micro interface or an externaldevice such as a server) tracks nano-node IDs, and if a nano-node doesnot communicate its ID within a specified amount of time (e.g., beforethreshold), the nano-node is considered dead. The alive/dead informationis able to be used in any manner such as determining when additionalnano-nodes are needed to be added to the user.

In some embodiments, the one or more nano-routers 102 have morecomputational power than the one or more nano-nodes 100. The one or morenano-routers 102 collect information from the one or more nano-nodes100, and transmit the information to the one or more nano-microinterfaces 104. The one or more nano-routers 102 are able to transmitcontrol information to the nano-nodes 100.

In some embodiments, the nano-node broadcasts information upon acquiringthe information for a period of time, and neighboring nano-nodes and/ornano-routers receive the information. Each nano-node broadcasts thereceived information until the information reaches a nano-router.

The nano-micro interface 104 receives data from the nano-nodes and/ornano-routers and transmits data to the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers.In some embodiments, a wearable device such as a smart watch includes/isthe nano-micro interface 104. The nano-micro interface 104 includes anano-communication component (e.g., antenna/receiver) to communicate(nano-communications) with the nano-nodes 100 and/or the nano-routers102, a translation component to translate the nano-communications (e.g.,THz) to micro-communications (e.g., ZigBee) to send to the control unit106 and/or external devices using a micro-communication component. Insome embodiments, the translation is from a first language (e.g., firstcomputer language) or protocol to a second language (e.g., secondcomputer language) or protocol. In some embodiments, there is notranslation, but the nano-micro interface 104 includes anano-communication component to communicate with the nano-nodes and/ornano/routers and a micro-communication component to communicate with thecontrol unit 106 and/or other external devices.

In some embodiments, the translation component is used to preventhacking of the nano-nodes/nano-routers. For example, nano communicationsare not able to be sent from outside the body other than through thenano-micro interface 104. In a related example, the nano-micro interfaceincludes shielding (e.g., inside a watch is a plate with thecommunication unit on the side of the plate closer to the user's body)such that any signals are sent specifically to the body to preventunwanted receipt of the signal. Furthermore, the nano-micro interfaceencrypts the signal and/or uses a passcode such that only the nano-nodesand/or nano-routers are able to receive/decrypt the signal. Similarly,the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers only receive communications if theappropriate encryption and/or passcode is utilized/received. In anotherexample, when a nano-node receives a communication, the nano-node sendsa low-powered ACK, and if the nano-node receiving the ACK did not sendthe original communication, then that nano-node sends anothercommunication to the originally receiving nano-node to ignore thepreviously received communication. In another example, the nano-nodesand/or nano-routers use a different communication mechanism thanexternal devices, where the nano-micro interface 104 is capable ofcommunicating with the nano-nodes/nano-routers. In some embodiments,there is a designated internal communication point (e.g., 1 nano-router)which communicates with a designated external communication point (e.g.,nano-micro interface), and their communication functionality isdependent upon close proximity (e.g., must be within a distancethreshold such as 1-5 cm). The nano-router then communicates theinformation throughout the internal physical area network. For example,the nano-micro interface and the nano-router send communications withtime stamps, and if the time stamp indicates the communication took toolong (indicating it traveled a longer distance than allowed), then thecommunication is rejected/ignored. This prevents foreign devices fromcommunicating with the nano-nodes/nano-routers.

In some embodiments, a multi-channel wireless network is utilized toenable multiple nodes to transmit data simultaneously using thedifferent channels. For example, instead of one nano-node acquiring dataand/or sensing information, multiple nano-nodes acquire the data andcommunicate the data on different channels either to additionalnano-nodes which pass the data on, or the nano-nodes communicatedirectly with one or more nano-routers which pass the data on, or thenano-nodes communicate directly with a nano-micro interface which hasmultiple channels to receive the data simultaneously. Any of thecomponents of the physical area network are able to includemulti-channel capabilities to send and/or receive multiple pieces ofdata simultaneously. For example, 8 nano-node sensors (located near eachother or in a cluster) are used to detect various chemical/blood markersincluding location information. Each of the 8 nano-node sensors sendsome of the information detected (e.g., a first sensor sends salinitylevels on a first channel, a second sensor sends blood sugar levels on asecond channel, a third nano-node sends location information on a thirdchannel, a fourth nano-node sends heart rate information on a fourthchannel and so on). The information is sent to a nano-router withmulti-channel capabilities (or to many nano-routers with or withoutmulti-channel capabilities) which then forwards the information to anano-micro interface with multi-channel capabilities, so that theinformation is received at approximately the same time for processing,analysis and output.

In some embodiments, communication is implemented using binary decodersutilizing multiple wires. In some embodiments, one or more wires areutilized but a voltage amount is varied to provide the communication.

In some embodiments, the components of the physical area network aresynchronized. The components are able to be synchronized in any mannerand are able to be synchronized for any purpose. For example, thenano-nodes and/or nano-routers are able to perform a clock check withthe nano-micro interface to ensure the clocks are synchronized. Thenano-nodes are able to be synchronized in terms of movement so that thenano-nodes are properly distributed throughout the body. For example,periodically or randomly, the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers send out alocation signal to inform other components where they are. As describedherein, the nano-micro interface is able to store a map of thenano-nodes and/or nano-routers, and by plotting where the nano-nodes arelocated, the nano-micro interface is able to ensure the nano-nodes areproperly positioned. In some embodiments, the strength/weakness of asignal is used to determine the location of the nano-nodes. In someembodiments, the physical area network components are synchronized incommunication.

In some embodiments, reliable transport protocol or a similar protocolis implemented.

Data authentication is utilized to authenticate a sender of data andvalidate the integrity of the data. As described herein, DNA informationis able to be utilized to authenticate the data by sending/receivinginformation of a DNA segment and verifying the DNA segment.

In some embodiments, a coding/communication scheme is utilized such asSpread in Time On-Off Keying (TS-OOK) protocol where communication datais sent using a sequence of pulses interleaved by a constant durationrandomly selected.

In some embodiments, as the nano-micro interface receives informationfrom the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers, the nano-micro interface isable to communicate the information and/or an alert to a remote contact(e.g., doctor, hospital, police, firemen, a relative). For example, ifthe nano-nodes, nano-routers, and/or nano-micro interfaces detect aarterial blockage, a viral/bacterial infection, stroke, high bloodpressure, an elevated temperature, a heart arrhythmia, and/or any otherillness/situation, an alert is sent via wireless, telephone, satellite,SMS, email, tweet, and/or any other form of communication/medium ofcommunication to the remote contact. In some embodiments, multiplecommunications occur simultaneously to the same or different contacts.For example, a 911 phone call is made to send police, fire and anambulance, and the recorded medical information (e.g., detection of anarrhythmia) is sent to the ambulance/first responder device and/or ahospital device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method of a physical area networkcommunicating according to some embodiments. In the step 700, a physicalarea network is positioned. In the step 702, the physical area networkcomponents (e.g., nano-nodes, nano-routers, nano-micro interface andmore) communicate. As described herein, there are a variety of ways ofcommunicating—THz communication, in vivo communication, accounting fordifferences in materials, determining shortest paths, and more. In someembodiments, nano-nodes communicate with nano-nodes and/or nano-routers.In some embodiments, nano-micro interfaces communicate only withnano-routers or nano-routers and nano-nodes. The physical area networkis able to communicate with external devices as well (depending on theimplementation and/or device). In some embodiments, communications areencrypted and otherwise protected. In some embodiments, fewer oradditional steps are implemented. In some embodiments, the order of thesteps is modified.

Encryption

In some embodiments, information is encrypted before it is communicated.In some embodiments, information within the body (e.g., from nano-nodeto nano-node or nano-router) is not encrypted, but information sent fromwithin the body to outside the body (e.g., from nano-node or nano-routerto nano-micro interface) is encrypted. Any type of encryption is able tobe utilized. In some embodiments, the encryption implementation is DNAencryption. Any forms of DNA encryption are possible. For example, anano-node is able to collect DNA information while inside the humanbody, and then use the DNA information (or a segment of the DNAinformation) as a key for encryption. Another device such as anano-micro interface or a server also includes DNA information from thespecific user and uses that information for decryption. Furthering theexample, a communication sent from a nano-node is encrypted using a keybased on acquired DNA information, and when the communication reachesthe nano-micro interface, the communication is decrypted using DNAinformation stored in the nano-micro interface or another device. Byutilizing DNA information for encryption, any snooping devices will notbe able to decrypt the encrypted communication thus keeping the healthinformation (or other information) safe. In another example, the segmentof the DNA information used for encryption continuously or randomlychanges further protect the communications. Furthering the example, thenano-node (or nano-router) and the nano-micro interface have a table ofthe appropriate segment used for encryption/decryption. For example, thenano-node indicates that segment 83 of the user's DNA was used forencryption, so the nano-micro interface searches using a table forsegment 83 for decryption. In some embodiments, the communicationswithin the body are not encrypted, and only communications from withinthe body to outside the body (e.g., nano-router to nano-micro interface)are encrypted. Any encryption scheme is able to be utilized such asTriple Data Encryption Standard (DES), RSA encryption, AdvancedEncryption Standard (AES), Twofish, and/or Blowfish.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method of encryption utilized by thephysical area network according to some embodiments. In the step 800, acommunication is encrypted. As described herein any form/type ofencryption is able to be implemented such as DNA encryption. In the step802, the communication is decrypted. The corresponding decryption isused. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps are implemented. Insome embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

Power

As described herein, the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers are able to bepowered using any power source such as an onboard battery or byharvesting energy from the environment such as hydroelectric powergeneration using blood flow, or ion power using chemicals within thebody. In some embodiments, nano-nodes near the heart are able to acquireenergy and/or charge an onboard battery using electrical pulses from theheart. The nano-nodes and/or nano-routers are able to include additionalor other sources of power such as: temperature, light, fluid flow,muscle contractions, kinetic body movement, acid/battery, electrolytes(in blood) as battery, body heat, internal battery which receives chargefrom external source, external source using waves, microwaves,ultrasonic, magnetic fields to charge, and/or a piezoelectric membrane.Zinc oxide nanowires are able to be used for vibrational energyharvesting systems in nano-devices—the high density array of nanowiresis used in piezo electric nano-generators. For example, a nanogeneratoris able to harness mechanical energy from pulsing blood vessels andgenerate electricity to power a nano-node/nano-router.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers are chargedusing conductive wireless charging. For example, the user's nano-microinterface is able to emanate a charge into the user's body which chargesthe nano-nodes. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes upon detecting lowpower travel to a specific location (e.g., wrist with the user's smartwatch), and then communicate that they are in position to be chargedwhich causes the nano-micro interface to charge the nano-nodes and/ornano routers. In another example, smart clothing is able to chargenano-nodes throughout the user's body.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of powering the physical area networkaccording to some embodiments. In the step 900, the physical areanetwork is positioned. In the step 902, power is provided to thephysical area network. Providing power is able to be performed in anymanner such as an onboard battery of a nano-node and/or nano-router. Asdescribed herein, in some embodiments, power is provided using kineticenergy, electrical energy from body parts such as the heart, fluidmotion (e.g., blood stream), chemical energy from within the body and/orother method. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

Electronic Tattoos

Electronic tattoos 108 are able to be implemented in any manner such asthin, flexible patches containing flexible electrical components. Theelectronic tattoos 108 are able to be made of silicone, rubber, metal,carbon nanotubes, graphene, biomaterial, and/or any other appropriatematerial. For example, nanometer or micrometer silicon wired coils areembedded in rubber patches to connect one or more embedded sensors,processors, antenna and/or any other components. In some embodiments,the electronic tattoos 108 are affixed to the outer surface of the skin,and in some embodiments, they are capable of being implanted in/underthe skin. The electronic tattoos 108 are able to acquire vital signs andbrain activity, monitor/stimulate muscle activity, perform blood tests,provide medication, communicate, and/or perform any other featuredescribed herein. The electronic tattoos 108 able to communicate withnano-nodes 100, nano-routers 102, the nano-micro interface 104 and/orany other device, depending on the information. For example, thenano-nodes 100 send communications to each other and the nano-routers102, and the nano-routers 102 communicate with the electronic tattoos108, and the electronic tattoos 108 communicate with the nano-microinterface 104. In some embodiments, the electronic tattoos 108 are atype of nano-micro interface 104.

Analysis

Analysis of the collected body information determines the course ofaction (if any) to take. Analysis is able to take place within thephysical area network or at another location. For example, thenano-micro interface performs analysis, and then based on that analysisthe physical area network takes action. In another example, an offsiteserver receives data from the physical area network and processes theinformation including analyzing the information. As described herein,there are many ways of performing analysis of the acquired data.

Output/Effects

The output, effect or course of action taken are wide-ranging dependingon the implementation. For example, medicine is deployed, a doctor iscontacted, health conditions are monitored, additional nano-nodes aredeployed, further analysis is performed, and or any other effect isimplemented. The output/effects may vary depending on theimplementation/application. As described herein, there are many typesoutput, effect or actions that can be taken.

FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of a nano-chip according to someembodiments. The nano-chip 1000 includes one or more nano-antennas 1002,one or more nano-transceivers 1004 (e.g., EM transceivers), one or morenano-processors 1006, one or more nano-batteries 1008, one or morenanosensors 1010, one or more nano-memories 1012, one or more nano-powerunits 1014 and/or one or more couplers 1016.

As described herein, the nano-antenna 1002 and the nano-transceiver 1004are used to communicate with other nano-devices. The nano-processor 1006processes any data acquired by the nano-sensor 1010. The nano-sensor1010 is described further herein and is used to acquire data such as bydetecting chemicals, measuring electrical information, and/or measuringpressure amounts. The nano-battery 1008 is used to store energy to powerthe other components. The nano-memory 1012 stores instructions and/oracquired data. The nano-power unit 1014 are used to power the othercomponents. For example, the nano-power unit 1014 includes zinc oxidenanowires which are used to harvest vibrational energy. The nano-powerunit 1014 is able to implement any other type of energy nano-harvestingimplementation such as a kinetic energy harvester, apropeller/windmill-type harvester. The dimensions of the nano-chip 1000are able to vary for example: 1-10 μm×1-10 μm×1-10 μm, or 100 nm×100nm×100 nm (or bigger or smaller such as 10 nm) depending on theimplementation.

The nano-processor 1006 is able to use 32 nm, 20 nm or smallertransistor technology (e.g., 1 nm). In some embodiments, a graphenenanoribbon transistor is utilized (1 atom by 10 atoms=1 nm). Theoperating frequency is approximately 1 THz.

The nano-memory 1012 is able to be any memory such as gold nano-memory.

In some embodiments, the nano-chip is a nanomaterial-based design, andin some embodiments, the nano-chip is a biomaterial-based design. Insome embodiments, the nano-chip 1000 includes fewer or additionalcomponents. For example, in some embodiments, the nano-chip 1000 doesnot include a battery 1008, and in some embodiments, the nano-chip 1000does not include a nano-power unit.

The nano-antenna 1002 and nano-transceiver 1004 are able to be anyantenna/transceiver; for example, the nano-antenna/nano-transceiverdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,397,758 and 9,643,841 to J. M. Jornet andI. F. Akyildiz.

The coupler 1016 is able couple to a user's body (e.g., veinous wall,bone, internal skin, tendon, fat) to send/receive messages using theuser's body. For example, the coupler 1016 is able to be a hooking orclipping mechanism.

The various components are able to be coupled together using anyconnections such as carbon nanotubes and/or graphene ribbons.

FIG. 11 illustrates diagrams of nano-sensing units according to someembodiments. A physical nanosensor 1100 is able to include apiezoelectric sensor. For example, the sensor is configured to measurechanges in pressure, acceleration, strain, force or temperature byconverting the detected information into an electric charge whichtriggers sending a signal. Furthering the example, carbon nanotubes orgraphene are able to be configured in a manner to detectpressure/strain. In another example, zinc-oxide nanowires are able to betwisted, bent, squeezed to produce electricity which then causes asignal to be sent. For example, two ends of a zinc-oxide nanowire areconnected to electrodes, and when the nanowire bends, the stretchedouter side of the bent wire becomes positively charged, and thecompressed inner surface becomes negatively charged.

A chemical nanosensor 1102 is able to be implemented by applyingspecified substances (e.g., palladium, zinc oxide, graphene, gold) to abase such as graphene or carbon nanotubes. In another example of achemical nanosensor 1102, a nanocantilever oscillates at a resonantfrequency, and when a chemical attaches to the cantilever, theoscillation stops which triggers a detection signal. A biologicalnanosensor 1104 is able to be implemented in a similar manner as thechemical nanosensor 1102 to detect biological molecules such as virusesby coating the cantilever with antibodies that capture a particularvirus, and when a virus particle attaches to the antibody, the resonancefrequency of the cantilever changes or the oscillation stops, whichtriggers a signal.

An electrochemical nanosensor is able to be implemented based ondetecting change of resistance in a nanomaterial upon binding with ananalyte, based on changes in scattering or the depletion or accumulationof charge carriers such as by using carbon nanotubes, conductivepolymers or metal oxide nanowires as gates in field-effect transistors.Other potential sensors include, but are not limited to, electromagneticor plasmonic nanosensors, spectroscopic nanosensors, magnetoelectronicor spintronic nanosensors and mechanical sensors.

FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram of a mobile nano-node according to someembodiments. The mobile nano-node 1200 is able to include a nano-camera1202 (or micro-camera), a payload 1204 (e.g., a medication, magneticcomponent), a capacitor 1206, and a tail 1208. In some embodiments, thepayload 1204 is stored in separate chambers/compartments (e.g., 2 ormore chambers). In some embodiments, the payload 1204 includes amagnetic component to enable the nano-node to be attracted to anexternal magnetic source/device. In some embodiments, the payload 1204is the medication, and the magnetic component is a separate component ofthe mobile nano-node 1200. The nano-camera 1202 is for taking picturesand/or video. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to thepayload 1204, tools such as a laser, knife, microwaves, ultrasonicsignals, and/or other tools are included. For example at the tip or onthe sides of the mobile nano-node 1200 is a sharp edge to cut. Thecapacitor 1206 is for providing power to the nano-camera 1202 and/or thetail 1208 which is for moving the mobile nano-node 1200. Additionalcomponents are able to be included such as a communicationcomponent/memory/processor 1210. Although one tail is shown, thepropulsion mechanism is able to be two or more tails, a propeller,and/or any other propulsion mechanism. The communication component isable to be an antenna/transmitter/receiver. The mobile nano-node 1200communicates the images/videos acquired to other nano-nodes 1200 (ornano-nodes 100), nano-routers 102, and/or the nano-micro interface 104.The nano-nodes 100 are able to be the mobile nano-node 1200 and/or anyother nano-node. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 and/or themobile nano-nodes 1200 are able to swarm an area.

FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of utilizing multiple nano-microinterfaces according to some embodiments. For example, a headbandnano-micro interface 1300 is worn on the head, watch or wristbandnano-micro interfaces 1302, 1304 are worn on the wrists, and anklenano-micro interfaces 1306, 1308 are worn around the ankles or in shoes.The nano-micro interfaces are able to be worn anywhere, and the numberof nano-micro interfaces is able to be any number. The nano-microinterfaces are able to be equipped with a variety of components 1310including, but not limited to, any computing components as well asmagnetic components configured for attracting the nano-nodes and/ornano-routers. For example, by positioning the nano-micro interfaces ondifferent locations of the body, by triggering one or more of thenano-micro interfaces, the nano-nodes are able to be attracted to aspecific location of the body.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy of the information acquired by the nano-nodes 100is important. As described herein, the information is able to beanonymized. Additionally, any number of steps are able to be implementedto keep the information secure.

In some embodiments, the information from the nano-nodes 100 is onlytransmitted at specified times (e.g., at midnight) or during specifiedevents (e.g., when heart rate is above a threshold, or when a specifieddevice such as a nano-micro interface 104 is worn and detected). In someembodiments, the nano-nodes 100 and nano-routers 102 only communicatewith confirmed devices such as the nano-micro interface 104 (e.g.,watch). The devices are able to be confirmed by sending a specializedpassword or key which confirms the nano-micro interface 104 as anappropriate device (or another sync process).

In some embodiments, encryption is employed to ensure the information isnot snooped or otherwise improperly acquired. For example, a nano-router102 or an internally placed nano-micro interface 104 includes anencryption mechanism which encrypts any information acquired by thenano-nodes 100. Another device (e.g., watch, server, or doctor's device)includes a decryption mechanism. Any form of private key/public keyencryption is able to be implemented.

To ensure uncorrupted data, any type of error detection and correctionis able to be implemented.

Any other type of encryption/security/privacy is able to be implementedsuch as those described in A. Lounis, A. Hadjidj, A. Bouabdallah, and Y.Challal, “Healing on the cloud: secure cloud architecture for medicalwireless sensor networks,” Future Generation Computer Systems, vol. 55,pp. 266-277, 2016; B. Bezawada, A. X. Liu, B. Jayaraman, A. L. Wang, andR. Li, “Privacy Preserving String Matching for Cloud Computing,” inProceedings of the 35th IEEE International Conference on DistributedComputing Systems, ICDCS '15, pp. 609-618, July 2015; and S.Chandrasekhar, A. Ibrahim, and M. Singhal, “A novel access controlprotocol using proxy signatures for cloud-based health informationexchange,” Computers & Security, vol. 67, pp. 73-88, 2017.

Implementations

In some embodiments, a parent-child structure is utilized for thenano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102. For example, some of thenano-nodes 100 are parent nodes which receive communications from thechildren nodes.

In some embodiments, a nano-node 100 sends out a signal and waits for anacknowledgment (ACK) signal back from another nano-node 100, nano-router102 or nano-micro interface 104. Once the ACK is received, the nano-node100 sends any acquired data (e.g., sensor results). In some embodiments,if the nano-node 100 does not receive an ACK within a specified timeperiod, the nano-node 100 either pauses for a specified amount of timeor moves, and then re-tries sending a signal.

In some embodiments, one or more nano-nodes 100 move periodically withina designated area (or freely), so that they may detect a signal sentfrom another nano-node, and once a signal is detected, the nano-nodestops, sends an ACK, and waits to receive the data from the othernano-node.

In some embodiments, one or more nano-nodes 100 transmit distanceinformation and/or location information. For example, the distanceinformation includes how many hops from the nano-node to othernano-nodes, nano-routers, and/or nano-micro interfaces. In someembodiments, each nano-node 100 is given a location specific identifier(e.g., ID=1 means it is located near the brain, ID=2 means the node islocated near the heart, and so on). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes100 are able to sense their location based on body fluiddetection/analysis and relay the location information. In someembodiments, an external device is able to provide a signal or triggerlocation information of the nano-nodes 100. For example, a nano-microinterface 104 or another device is able to be toggled to the currentlocation (e.g., user toggles to heart, when placing on chest nearheart), which signals to the nano-nodes near the heart a specific ID forthe heart.

By using the path with the shortest number of hops, the nano-nodes 100are able to save energy, and the communication process is optimized.Once a path is determined, that path is able to be saved. However, ifany of the nano-nodes 100 of the path move, the distances/hops arere-calculated. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is able to beimplemented for scheduling between nodes.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 are able to go into low-powermode, sleep mode, idle mode, or any other power-saving mode. Thenano-nodes 100 are able to be awoken by receiving a signal from thenano-micro interface 104.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 have different data rates. Forexample, some nano-nodes 100 have higher data rates than othernano-nodes 100, and the nano-nodes 100 are able to be positioned andutilized based on their data rates.

There are many other implementations possible such as those described bySeo et al., Quwaider et al., Watteyne et al., Nabi et al., Guo et al.,Tsouri et al., and Javaid et al. as mentioned in Sharma, Neelam et al.“An Enhanced-Simple Protocol for Wireless Body Area Networks,” Journalof Engineering Science and Technology, Vol. 13, No. 1 (2018).

Applications

As described herein, the physical area network is able to be used in anyapplication such as brain cell monitoring, blood sugar monitoring, heartmonitoring, cancer monitoring, targeted drug delivery, illnessmonitoring, and/or any other application.

In some embodiments, one or more nano-nodes, nano-routers, and/ornano-micro interfaces are embedded in, implanted on and/or otherwiseattached to a tooth and/or filling. In some embodiments, the jawmovement is able to be used for power. For example, the embedded deviceincludes an inertial component configured for generating power fromkinetic energy. In another example, the saliva is able to be used as apower source such as the movement of the saliva is able to be used togenerate hydroelectric power. In some embodiments, the embedded deviceis able to be used to analyze DNA. In another example, the embeddeddevice includes a sensor to detect one or more specifiedenzymes/proteins/allergens such as gluten or lactose. Upon detection,the embedded device communicates the information and/or triggers analert. For example, the embedded device is a nano-node configured todetect gluten, and upon detection, the nano-node sends a signal to anano-micro interface (e.g., watch) to blink and/or beep to alert theuser.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing nano-nodespositioned in a user's mouth according to some embodiments. In the step1400, one or more nano-nodes and/or nano-routers are positioned in auser's mouth (e.g., affixed to or embedded in a user's tooth). Forexample, a filling includes a nano-node and/or a nano-router. In thestep 1402, the nano-nodes and/or nano-routers collect and/or communicatedata. For example, nano-nodes are able to detect saliva levels, foodallergens, and/or other substances. Furthering the example, a nano-nodedetects the presence of a peanut allergen in a food item, and sends asignal to alert the user (e.g., alarm on smart phone or watch). Inanother example, a nano-router is used as a communication point wherethe filling is able to act as an antenna or an amplifier. Thenano-router on the filling is able to be used as the main communicationpoint between internal nano-nodes and the nano-micro interface. In someembodiments, fewer or additional steps are implemented. In someembodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

In some embodiments, each nano-node and/or nano-router includes anidentification (ID) code/number. One or more devices within the physicalarea network includes a mapping of the nano-nodes (including their IDs),including distances between each nano-node and each nano-router. Forexample, the distance from nano-node 1 to nano-node 2 to nano-router 1is 5 cm, and the distance from nano-node 1 to nano-node 3 to nano-router1 is 4 cm, so the route through nano-node 3 is used, since it isshorter. In some embodiments, if it is determined that a nano-node ornano-router is too far (e.g., exceeds a distance threshold—over 10cm—from the nearest nano-node or nano-router), then the nano-node moves(e.g., is sent a command to move closer to another nano-node, or movesuntil it is under the threshold). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes(or nano-routers) continuously determine the distance to their nearestnano-node, and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the nano-node movesuntil the distance is less than the threshold. In some embodiments,nano-nodes and/or nano-routers move as a chain or a group. For example,if the distances between nano-node 4 and nano-node 5 is above athreshold, then nano-nodes 1, 2, 3 and 4 move towards nano-node 5, sothat the distance between each (1-4) is maintained, but the distancebetween 4 and 5 is shortened below the threshold. In some embodiments,the nano-micro interface or another external device stores and/oraccesses the mapping of the nano-nodes and sends signals or otherwisecauses the nano-nodes to move as desired based on the mapping.

In some embodiments, nano-nodes are in a family or cluster. In someembodiments, the family includes one or more nano-routers. The nano-nodefamily is able to include nano-nodes of a same type or nano-nodes ofdifferent types. The nano-node family is able to be used to maintain anano-node chain, so that each nano-node is able to communicate via hopsto a nano-router. The nano-nodes of the nano-node family are able tohave the same family ID, to facilitate communication. For example, if acommunication is sent to nano-nodes, it is able to be sent only tonano-nodes with a specific family ID.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 and/or nano-routers 102communicate with many nano-micro interfaces 104 and/or other devicesexternal to the body. For example, one or more sensors in a sneaker/shoeare able to acquire information such as number of steps or amount ofpressure placed on different parts of the shoe, and at the same time,nano-nodes 100 are able to monitor/detect strain within the user's bodysuch as at ligaments, tendons, muscles and/or bones. Furthering theexample, one or more nano-nodes 100 configured with/as pressure sensorsare able to be embedded in a muscle, ligament, tendon, and/or bone toacquire a second set of information. Then, using the information fromthe shoe and the information from the nano-nodes 100, real-time analysisis able to be performed to determine if the user is moving incorrectly,if the shoe has issues, and/or any other potential problems or benefits.Similarly, nano-nodes 100 and/or another nano-micro interface 104 areable to monitor heart activity in synchronization with the shoe sensorsand/or nano-nodes 100 in the leg (or foot, back, elsewhere).

In another example, one or more air sensors communicate with one or morenano-nodes 100 in the lungs, one or more nano-nodes 100 in/near theheart, and the shoe sensors to retrieve respiration information (e.g.,for asthmatics and/or people with heart conditions).

In another example, nano-nodes 100 configured to detect bodyinflammation and/or allergic reactions, and food sensors (e.g., a smartrefrigerator for analyzing/knowing food ingredient information) are ableto communicate with each other or a central unit to alert users ofpossible allergy issues and/or other food intolerances.

In some embodiments, the physical area network includes additionalmonitoring sensors such as ECG, EMG, EEG, chemical sensors (e.g., sweat,glucose, saliva), optical sensors (e.g., oximetry, tissue properties),and/or other types of sensors. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100and/or other components are able to be configured into devices/sensorssuch as a defibrilator, sleep analyzer, and/or any other device.

In an example, one or more nano-nodes 100 detect blood sugar levels, andif the blood sugar level is above a threshold, an implanted insulin pumpinjects insulin.

In some embodiments, the physical area network maintains a history of auser's information (e.g., health information), maintains a record ofmedicines taken, provides alerts to the user to take medication,provides commentary/advice based on acquired information (e.g., heartrate monitoring), contacts doctors/emergency personnel/family when anemergency situation is detected (e.g., dangerous heart arrhythmia)and/or performs other tasks/services.

In some embodiments, the physical area network is able to be implementedwith gaming. The information acquired by the physical area network isprocessed/analyzed, and then that information is translated to affectgameplay. Additionally, the gameplay information is able to beprocessed/analyzed, and then that information is translated to affectthe physical area network. For example, a database is able to correlateinformation/actions related to the physical area network with gameplay,and vice versa. For example, to assist children in dealing with adisease, a game is able to correspond with physical area networkinformation. Furthering the example, if a child is fighting cancer, acancer game is able to be implemented on a gaming console, a smarttelevision, a smart phone, a personal computer, a virtual realitydevice, an augmented reality device, and/or any other computing device.The gameplay involves the child fighting video game cancer cells (oranother illness), and as the nano-nodes perform treatment on the child,the game provides power-ups for the child and/or other features/bonuses.In some embodiments, to prompt the child to take medication or receivetreatment, the game includes bonuses upon detection of themediation/treatment being received. For example, when a nano-nodedeploys a medication, a signal is sent to the nano-micro interface whichsends a signal/command/data to the gameplay to give the user a bonussuch as extra power, an extra life, an extra weapon/ammunition,unlocking a secret stage, and/or any other bonus. In some embodiments,the game content is unrelated to the illness. Any other interactionsbetween the physical area network and the game/gameplay are possible.The game is able to affect the physical area network, and the physicalarea network is able to affect the game. In some embodiments, the gameis not related to an illness but another interaction based on thenano-nodes. For example, the gameplay is a racing game to distract aperson while the nano-nodes travel through the user's gastrointestinalsystem. In another example, the game is utilized while nano-nodes areutilized with medical imaging. In another example, the game provides agame version of the user's body, and the user is able to control where anano-node moves on the game, which also controls where the nano-node inthe user's body moves. In addition to interacting with the game and thenano-nodes, other items components, devices, and/or equipment are ableto be utilized such as food, sneakers, sporting equipment and clothing.For example, a video game incorporates information/analysis based onfood intake, exercise and the current weather, where nano-nodesdetermine calories and/or the type of food ingested, nano-nodes insneakers or “connected” sneakers communicate the user's exerciseroutine, and the user's clothing includes sensors to detect humidity andtemperature or the weather information is received from an onlinesource. Furthering the example, the information acquired enables theuser to compete against friends in an online health/exercise competitionor simply keep track of the information. In some embodiments, the gamedisplayed is not interactive; rather, it is a video showing the user arepresentation of what is occurring within the user. For example, acartoon video of germs being blasted by nano-nodes is shown to a childwho is ill, where the cartoon is based on the events taking place insidethe child.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method of implementing gaming witha physical area network according to some embodiments. In the step 1500,the physical area network is positioned. In the step 1502, the physicalarea network communicates with a gaming system. The gaming system isable to be a gaming console, a smart phone (or other smart device), aheadset display, and/or another device capable of being used for gaming.Communicating between the physical area network and the gaming system isable to include an initialization/configuration step. For example, thephysical area network is synchronized with the gaming system.Additionally, specific details about the physical area network (such ashow many nano-nodes, types of nano-nodes, positions of nano-nodes,illness, medications available for use and/or being used, and others)and/or the gaming system (such as the type of gaming system, playerinformation, number of players, gaming information, and others) are ableto be communicated to each other or another device. For example, thegame to be played may be based on the physical area networkconfiguration. Furthering the example, if a user is battling lungcancer, that information is able to be provided to the gaming system viathe physical area network (e.g., nano-nodes communicate their locationand/or a server communicates the user's current illness and/or locationof the nano-nodes; actions taken by the nano-nodes are communicated suchas attacking the cancer, deploying medication and others). For example,a game programmed to function on the gaming system includes code whichis able to accept/retrieve data from the physical area network, and thenapply that data in the game (e.g., receive data from nano-nodes on howmany have deployed medication and how many still have medication to bedeployed which shows up on the GUI of the game as ammunitionused/remaining). Furthering the example, when a nano-node deploysmedication, the nano-node sends a signal that the medication has beendeployed, and then nano-micro interface is able to translate the signalinto a command/data to send to the gaming device to affect the gameplaysuch as shooting a germ with medication in the game. In another example,the game includes code which is able to send data to the physical areanetwork, and then the physical area network applies that data (e.g.,user presses Button A which triggers a shot of medication on the gameand also sends a command to the physical area network to releasemedication). In another example, the user moves his spaceship from theleg to the heart searching for illnesses in the game which sends acommand to trigger one or more nano-nodes to move from the leg to theheart of the user. In some embodiments, the gameplay replicates thecurrent state of the user (e.g., based on the detected size of thereal-life cancerous mass, the gameplay includes a cancerous mass of asame/comparable size). Additionally, as the nano-nodes attack thereal-life cancerous mass, the gameplay shows the game cancerous massbeing attacked. In some embodiments, the gameplay attempts to replicatereality, and in some embodiments, the gameplay cartoonizes reality. Insome embodiments, the gameplay completely changes reality such as whilea cancerous mass is being attacked by medicine, the gameplay involves anenemy spacecraft being attacked by heroes' ships. In some embodiments,the gameplay is a one way communication (either nano-nodes to gamingdevice or vice versa), or the gameplay is a two-way communication. Forexample, when the nano-nodes perform an action, a signal is sent to thegaming device to show a corresponding action. In another example, when auser performs an action on a gaming device, a signal is sent to thenano-nodes to perform a corresponding action. In an example of two-waycommunication, the user is able to play the game which causes nano-nodeactions, and as the nano-nodes perform actions, the nano-nodescommunicate back to the game to cause a corresponding action in thegame. The nano-nodes are able to include safeguards to prevent a userfrom doing harm. For example, in a gameplay where the user is shooting agaming illness with medication, the corresponding action is medicationbeing provided by the nano-nodes, but once a desired amount ofmedication has been provided, the nano-nodes do not provide any moremedication. Communicating between the devices is able to be implementedin any manner. For example, the physical area network collects data asdescribed herein (e.g., nano-nodes collect internal body information),communicates the data as described herein, and either: communicatesdirectly to a gaming system, communicates to a nano-micro interfacewhich communicates (including translates, if necessary) with the gamingsystem, or communicates with another device which communicates(including translates, if necessary) with the gaming system. In someembodiments, fewer or additional steps are implemented. In someembodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100, nano-routers 102, and/or othercomponents are made of biocompatible materials such as platinum, gold,or titanium.

In some embodiments, the nano-micro interface 104 is able to communicatewith/over one or more networks (e.g., the Internet, cellular networks),including social networks such as Facebook®. In some ways, communicatinghealth information over the networks is a form of social networking. Byreceiving information from many people (any number up to billions ormore), mass information is able to be gathered and analyzed. Theinformation is able to be anonymized. Moreover, the information is ableto be grouped/separated based on any characteristic(s) such as age,gender, sex, race, body features, location, illness, geneticinformation, and others to perform analysis such as detecting trends.Even more specific details are able to be included in the analysis suchas genetic information, location information, height, weight, age, eyecolor, right/left-handed, hair color, baldness, exercise history,personality, family history, family environment, personal activitiessuch as sleep schedule/quality, diet, drugs/alcohol consumption,occupation, habits, exercise, scheduling, and/or any other specificdetails. In some embodiments, social networking is used for comparisonpurposes. For example, health information (acquired using the physicalarea network) from contacts in a user's social network is aggregatedand/or compared. Since contacts may have similarities (e.g., from thesame location), by analyzing their health information, commonalities maybe determined. During or after the analysis is performed, the resultsare able to be provided to the contacts (and actions are able to betaken). For example, if cancer is detected in one of the contacts, amessage is able to be sent to the other contacts of that contact thatsomeone in their social network has cancer. In some embodiments, themessage is sent to each contacts' physical area network to automaticallyinitiate additional cancer monitoring (by those contacts' physical areanetworks and/or other precautions). Similarly, if contacts live neareach other, a medical illness could be based on local environmentalfactors, and the detection of an illness results in a communication withthe contacts.

In some embodiments, the health information from others is used toperform treatment or preemptive treatment. For example, nano-nodes inUser A detect an illness based on certain factors/symptoms detected bythe nano-nodes and/or nano-micro interface, and the information gathered(including the factors/symptoms/illness) is communicated to others(e.g., through the Internet) including User B. User B's physical areanetwork receives the information and determines that similar symptomsare occurring in User B, so the physical area network takes preemptivesteps to prevent the illness from advancing. In another example, basedon social networking of physical area networks of contacts, early,middle and later symptoms are determined for illness X, where thesymptoms vary slightly depending on the person, and effective treatmentsalso vary slightly depending on the person, so users are matched basedon similarities with the contacts, and the physical area network of theusers implement appropriate treatments based the specific informationfrom contacts. Exemplary actions taken by the physical area networkinclude suggesting specific exercises, diets, and/or medications;deploying nano-nodes to investigate the user further to determine theprogress of a disease/treatment; and/or deploying nano-nodes to takeaction to fight the disease such as providing medication and/orotherwise treating the disease. In some embodiments, the response to thepreemptive actions is also collected to further analyze to determine ifbetter treatments are available and/or which ones work. The socialnetworking analysis is able to be implemented in any manner includingusing artificial intelligence to determine patterns. The socialnetworking analysis is able to be implemented using a structured treewhere each branch leads to a different treatment option including theresults/success rates of each option.

In some embodiments, in some embodiments, information shared via socialnetworking includes specific details of the physical area network suchas nano-nodes/nano-routers (e.g., brand, type, quantity, location suchas a map of nano-node/nano-router distribution/orientation), so thatothers are able to have a similar physical area network. For example, ifa specific physical area network works well at detecting potentialillnesses for Contact A or Group X, then the physical area networkinformation is transmitted and downloaded/accessed by Contact B or GroupY, and their physical area network is able to re-orient itself to matchthe successful orientation/configuration. In some embodiments, ifdesired components are not part of the current physical area network(e.g., Contact B does not have Sensor J), then the physical area networkis able to automatically purchase the desired components (e.g., vianano-micro interface automatically placing an order) or provideinformation to someone (e.g., Contact B or Contact B's physician) toplace an order or prescription. The shared information is able toinclude exercise information, diet information, injury information,illness information and/or other information, so that contacts are ableto replicate another contact's regimen. Where the physical area networktracks specific exercise movements, the physical area network is able toprovide the contact with information of the movements such as givingnames of the exercises or displaying a video showing the movements. Forexample, Contact A runs for 3 miles in 25 minutes—the distance and timeare able to be shared, in addition to elevation changes, the surface forrunning (e.g., asphalt, dirt), a map of the run, heart rates, currentweight, strains on joints/muscles, and/or any other relevantinformation. The information is able to be acquired by the physical areanetwork in any manner such as a pedometer tracking the distance, thenano-micro interface tracking the time and heart rate and generating amap using GPS and mapping information, smart sneakers for detecting thetype of surface or determining the type of surface based on compressionamounts of the sneaker, and nano-nodes positioned near joints andmuscles to detect strain. Then, Contact B is able to duplicate the tripor run a comparable trip. In some embodiments, the shared information isable to be compared for analysis purposes and/or competitive purposes.For example, if the race tracks/trips are not exactly the same, based onanalysis, variations are able to be accounted for (e.g., if Contact A'strip had more elevation gain than Contact B's trip, then Contact A isgiven a slight bonus such as reduced time by X seconds to account forthe differential).

In another example, injury information is able to be sharedautomatically. For example, for athletes, if nano-nodes detect a playerhas a concussion or tears a ligament or breaks a bone, the informationis able to be automatically shared with the team doctor, the leagueand/or other entities.

In some embodiments, user-enabled privacy settings are implemented. Forexample, Contact A shares everything with the world, so he allows all ofhis information to be shared with anyone. Contact B shares informationonly with those in his private network. Contact Z does not want muchshared, so only exercise information is shared such as time and distancewithout any of the health statistics/data. Any HIPPA standards (or otherstandards/requirements) are able to be followed/implemented.

In some embodiments, illness information is shared. For example, toprotect against the spread of the flu, once nano-nodes detect a fluvirus or other symptoms such as a fever, the user's school, work and/orother contacts are able to be automatically contacted. Similarly, oncethe user's levels (e.g., temperature or detection of eradication ofillness) have returned to normal, the school, work, contacts are able tobe contacted again to enable a safe return. This would significantlyminimize the spread of infectious diseases and drastically reducemedical costs as well as missed time from work. The information sent isable to be as detailed or limited as desired (e.g., Student X has Yillness with Z symptoms, or Student X is unable to attend schooltoday)—configurable either by the user or the receiver of the data(e.g., student or school limits information). In some embodiments, whena person has an illness, an illness status on the user's social networkpage changes (e.g., from healthy to sick or sick with X illness). Insome embodiments, an emoji or other graphical representation changes toreflect the health of a user.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing a physical areanetwork with social networking according to some embodiments. In thestep 1600, the physical area network collects information. As describedherein, the physical area network collects health information usingnano-nodes, nano-routers and the nano-micro interface and/or additionalinformation. In the step 1602, the physical area network communicatesthe information via social networking. For example, symptoms, treatmentand side effect information as well as other information is able to betransmitted/gathered via social networking to further medicaladvancements. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

In some embodiments, nano-nodes are configured to detect concussionsand/or other head injuries. For example, nano-nodes are positioned in ornavigate to the CSF (or otherwise near the brain) surrounding the brain.Using nano-nodes (e.g., physical nanosensors) as described herein, it isable to be detected if the brain has been injured from pressing againstthe inside of the skull. For example, analysis is performed to determinea threshold amount of pressure/force of the brain pressing against theskull before an injury occurs, and if that amount of pressure/force isdetected by a nanonode, then it is determined that the user has aconcussion. In some embodiments, levels of concussion are able to bedetermined such as: below a first threshold, between the first thresholdand a second threshold, and above the second threshold. Furthering theexample, below a first threshold is not a concussion, between the firstand second thresholds is a mild concussion, and above the secondthreshold is a major concussion. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes arestrategically placed to surround the brain to ensure that a hit from anyangle is detected. In another example, the nano-nodes are placed at/nearthe top, bottom, left, right, front and back of the brain. In someembodiments, the nano-nodes are placed in clusters/groups in specifiedlocations. The nano-nodes communicate as described herein either toother nano-nodes, nano-routers, or a nano-micro interface. In someembodiments, the information communicated is as simple as an indicationof “concussion detected” which is able to be represented as a singlebit, or more information including the specific pressure/force detectedas well as the location, time information and/or how many nano-nodesdetected the pressure/force above a threshold. For example, if 1nano-node of a group of 10 nano-nodes detects a force above a threshold,but the other 9 do not, then an alert may not be triggered. In someembodiments, when 1 nano-node in the brain area detects a pressure/forceabove a threshold, all of the nano-nodes in the brain area transmittheir information to enable mapping of the injury. For example, thenano-nodes on the top, bottom left and right all report lowpressure/force information, but the nano-nodes in the front and backreport pressure/force information above a threshold. In someembodiments, various nano-nodes are developed and deployed such asnano-nodes that are triggered at different levels ofpressure/force/impact. For example, one set of nano-nodes are triggeredby a low amount of force (e.g., above a first threshold but below asecond threshold), a second set of nano-nodes are triggered by a higheramount of force (e.g., above the second threshold but below a thirdthreshold), and a third set of nano-nodes are triggered by a highestamount of force (e.g., above the third threshold). Then, depending onwhich nano-nodes are triggered and send a signal, it is able to bedetermined how strong the impact was. Any number of nano-nodes withdifferent trigger amounts are able to be used. The concussioninformation is able to be communicated (e.g., from the nano-microinterface) to any other device such as a referee device, a coach'sdevice, a doctor/medical device, and/or a server for data analysis.Other ways of detecting a concussion are able to be implemented by thephysical area network, such as detecting swelling in the brain (e.g.,detected by measuring the size of the brain with the nano-nodes anddetecting changes over time, or measuring the distance of the brain fromthe skull), detecting changes in color of the brain (e.g., using a colorsensor which monitors the color of the brain, and if the color changesabove a color threshold, then an alert is triggered), detecting abiochemical change in the CSF (e.g., continuously detecting hormonelevels in the CSF, and determining when a change in levels is above athreshold or a total level of a specific hormone or other substance isabove a threshold), determining motor skill issues such as instabilityof the user (e.g., using an accelerometer in a user's watch to detectmovements that are beyond a standard range of movement), and determiningeye movement irregularities (e.g., by monitoring eye movement usingcamera devices or nano-nodes which are able to detect movement of theeyes and determine whether the movement is regular or irregular based onpast movement, template comparison, and/or learning). In someembodiments, a concussion is determined based on multiple factors. Forexample, a low force amount is detected in the head, but the physicalarea network detects motor skill issues (e.g., an accelerometer in awatch/helmet determines the user's movements are irregular/wobblycompared to previously learned history of normal/typical movements). Insome embodiments, the nano-nodes are able to enter sleep node and wakeup when concussions are more likely (e.g., during practice and during agame).

In some embodiments, the physical area network includes eye-wear such asglasses, goggles, AR glasses/goggles, VR glasses/goggles, contactlenses, or AR or VR contact lenses. In an exemplary implementation, thephysical area network includes VR goggles which include one or morecameras or sensors to view the user's eyes (e.g., one camera per eye),and when a user plays a VR game/program (or at another time), thecameras monitor the user's eyes to detect any anomalies such as issuesstemming from a head injury such as a concussion. Anomalies are able tobe detected in any manner such as tracking a user's eyes when it isknown no concussion exists, and using that as a baseline for comparisonpurposes, and when the user's eyes are tracked again, the currenttracking data is compared with the baseline data, and differences (e.g.,slower eye movement, jerky eye movement) above a threshold areconsidered anomalies. In some embodiments, the eye-wear is used inconjunction with the video game which is used in conjunction with thenano-nodes. For example, the nano-nodes in/on the user's head/helmetdetect a possible concussion, then cameras in the user's helmet detecteye movement that also indicates a concussion, so with the twoindicators, it is more likely that a concussion has occurred. In anotherexample, after a concussion has been detected, the protocol includes theuser playing a VR video game, and while playing, cameras in the VRheadset monitor the user's eyes to detect eye issues, and/or the videogame communicates with the nano-nodes in the user's brain to send andreceive information related to the head injury.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of utilizing nano-nodes to detect aconcussion according to some embodiments. In the step 1700, nano-nodesare positioned. For example, nano-nodes are injected into positionand/or travel to a desired location such as various locations in the CSFsurrounding the brain. Furthering the example, the nano-nodes arephysical nano-sensors configured to detect pressure/force such as impactpressure/force, such as piezoelectric sensors described herein (e.g., inFIG. 11, 1100). The nano-nodes are able to include additional componentsdescribed herein such as communication components, navigation componentsand power components. The nano-nodes are able to be deployed in anymanner described herein such as inhaled or ingested. In someembodiments, the nano-nodes are positioned outside the user's body(e.g., on the scalp, in the hair, on the inner layer of the helmet orother headgear, inside the helmet/headgear, and/or on the outer layer ofthe helmet/headgear). In the step 1702, the nano-nodes detect/measurethe force, including a location of the impact (e.g., based on whichnano-node is triggered and the location of the nano-node). In the step1704, the nano-nodes communicate information (e.g., being triggered,location information, amount of force detected) to another device suchas the nano-micro interface. In the step 1706, the device displays theinformation. For example, the device (e.g., a watch, bracelet, helmet,clothing, phone, computer or other device) flashes red when a concussionhas been detected. In another example, more specific data is displayedsuch as the location of the impact/injury and the amount of force. Inaddition to or instead of displaying information, an action is able tobe taken such as anti-inflammation medication is able to be applied tothe injured area using the nano-nodes. For example, in addition topressure/force-detecting nano-nodes, medication nano-nodes are alsopositioned in the head/brain area. Furthering the example, thenano-nodes for detecting a concussion are able to send a signal tomedication nano-nodes, and when a signal indicating a concussion isreceived by the medication nano-nodes, the medication nano-nodes releasethe medication. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

FIG. 18 illustrates a diagram of utilizing nano-nodes to detect aconcussion according to some embodiments. As shown in the left-mostfigure, the nano-nodes 100 are able to be placed on a user's scalp, inthe user's hair, under the skin, or further internally (e.g., in theCSF). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes are injected (e.g., at thebase of the neck or in the head). The nano-nodes 100 are able to beplaced anywhere on the head/body to detect head injuries (e.g.,concussions) such as on the face (e.g., nose, cheeks, chin, forehead)and/or the top of the head/scalp/hair. In some embodiments, thenano-nodes are placed in a specific pattern such as a ring, acheckerboard pattern, or 4 (or more) opposite points (one toward thefront, one toward the back, one on the left and one on the right, ormore at each location).

In the middle figure, nano-nodes 100 are able to be placed on an outersurface of a helmet 1800. The nano-nodes 100 are able to be placed inany pattern as described herein. In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100(and/or other sensors) are embedded in the helmet (e.g., in thecushioning). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes 100 are included in thepaint or are positioned on the outside of the helmet in another manner.The helmet 1800 is able to be any helmet such as a sporting helmet(e.g., football, hockey, baseball), a bike helmet, a ski/snowboardhelmet, wrestling headgear, or any other type ofhelmet/headgear/headwear. In some embodiments, instead of a helmet, thenano-nodes are positioned on another type of headwear such as a hat.

In the right-most figure, the underside of a helmet 1800 is shown withnano-nodes 100 positioned on the surface of the inside of the helmet1800, where the helmet 1800 touches the user's head. The nano-nodes 100are able to be positioned in a pattern as described herein. In someembodiments, other sensors instead of or in addition to the nano-nodesare positioned in/on the headwear. The other sensors are able totrack/determine any type of information such as speed acceleration,force, temperature, movement, and more. In some embodiments, thenano-nodes and/or sensors trigger an immediate action. For example, ananti-inflammatory medication is deployed. In another example, nano ormicro cushions are triggered in the headware (e.g., helmet) to provideadditional cushioning/protection. For example, nano/micro-nodes includetwo chambers—one with water and one with a gel that expands when wet,and upon impact detection, the chambers release the chamber contentswhich interact and provide extra cushion.

In some embodiments, the nano-micro interface is configured tocommunicate with an external device to cause that external device toreact/respond (e.g., nano-micro interface communicates with aself-ointing toothbrush to put toothpaste on the toothbrush).

In some embodiment, quantum computing is utilized to process thephysical area network information. For example, for encryption, a serverutilizes quantum computing to encrypt and decrypt data.

In some embodiments, the physical area network is able to be used toimplement remote monitoring of a subject such as an adult, child, baby,pet, livestock, or any other animal. Vital signs such as heart rate,blood pressure, breathing/oxygen levels, location, surroundings (light,dark, temperature), medical issues (fever, illness, germs) are able tobe monitored and communicated to a parent/owner device and/or otherdevices.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes are deployed/implemented based onconditions. For example, as a person ages, the potential issues change.Furthering the example, it is important to monitor for breast cancerwhen a woman reaches a specified age, so based on the age change, thenano-nodes monitor for different conditions. Similarly, when a woman ispregnant, it is important to monitor for different things as thepregnancy continues, so the nano-nodes receive varying instructionsdepending on the time/month of the pregnancy. Similarly, prostate canceris generally a concern for older men, so although nano-nodes are able todetect cancer, the nano-nodes are able to re-position themselves nearthe prostate or begin to attempt to detect prostate cancer when the userreaches an age threshold.

As described herein, the physical area network is able to be used totrack exercise information. The exercise information is able to betracked in conjunction with other information such as food intake,illnesses/conditions, and/or any other bodily functions, environmentalfactors/functions, and/or any other information.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flowchart of a method of tracking exerciseaccording to some embodiments. In the step 1900, the physical areanetwork is positioned. For example, nano-nodes and nano-routers areinjected, inhaled, and/or ingested, and a nano-micro interface (e.g.,smart watch or smart clothing) is put on. In the step 1902, the physicalarea network detects exercise information. For example, any of thefollowing is able to be detected (and more): motion information, anystrains or stress, vital signs, specific training information, bodyinformation, medical information, and/or environmental information. Inthe step 1904, the exercise information is communicated (e.g., fromnano-nodes to the nano-micro interface to a server device, or viceversa). In the step 1904, the physical area network takes an action. Forexample, an asthmatic person may need steroids for his lungs, and basedon detecting lung inflammation or low oxygen levels, the nano-nodes areable to provide the steroids or trigger an alert that an asthma attackis imminent or occurring. In another example, taking an action includesdisplaying information on the nano-micro interface and/or anotherdisplay device. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

In some embodiments, various items/parts are linked such as shoes+heart;watch+heart; shoes+heart+watch; food+heart; food+head; food+gut, and soon.

In some embodiments, an accelerometer (or another device) within thenano-micro interface or another device is used to determine a user'sbody position in conjunction with symptoms. Additional information isable to be captured and analyzed as well such as time of day, day ofyear, location information, and/or any other information. For example,the nano-micro interface determines that a user is lying down, andnano-nodes in the mouth and/or throat detect that acid reflux isoccurring (e.g., by detecting pH). In some embodiments, theaccelerometer or other device is used to determine which exercise isoccurring. The information and/or other sensor information is then ableto be used to determine the user's technique and compare the user'stechnique with proper techniques and send to a screen/wearableglasses/lenses/goggles to show the user the proper technique. The user'stechnique is displayed as an outline on a video of a proper technique,or the property technique is displayed as an outline on a video of theuser's technique. In another example, the proper technique is overlaidusing augmented reality.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors (or nano-nodes) are positionedin/on equipment to help with learning/practicing techniques. Forexample, a sensor/nano-node is included in a baseball bat, golf club,sneakers, basketball, baseball, football, soccer ball, hockey stick,puck, leotard, floor, and/or other sporting equipment. Furthering theexample, the equipment sensor is used in conjunction with nano-nodeswithin the user's body and/or on the user's body (e.g., smart clothing)to determine: is the bat level, is the golf club going at the correctarc/angle, hips moving at right time, and other motions/movements. In anexample, smart clothing is able to detect a change in capacitancebetween the skin and one or more electrodes of the clothing. Theequipment sensors are able to be used in conjunction with the nano-microinterface and/or nano-nodes for analyzing the user's movements/motion.For example, the sensor in the equipment tracks movement includingtimestamps, and nano-nodes also track movement or other body data (e.g.,heart rate, blood pressure) (including timestamps). Furthering theexample, as a player starts to swing, it is time t=0s, and data isacquired at increments of 1 second or other intervals such as tenths ofa second, 1 millisecond, 1 microsecond, or 1 nanosecond. At t=0s, aplayer's heart rate is detected using the physical area network (e.g.,nano-nodes or nano-micro interface), and the player's starting positionis determined (e.g., the angle of the bat is detected using a sensor ofthe bat, and the player's smart clothing detects the position of theplayer's elbow, hips and other body parts). The nano-nodes are able tobe positioned at the player's joints, muscles, tendons, bones and/orother parts, to detect pressure, strain, pulling and/or other possibleinjuries. At time t=1.2s, it is detected that the player's bat is comingthrough the ball at an improper angle, and nano-nodes (pressure sensors)in the player's wrist detect that there is strain on the player'stendons. The information such as timing information, bat speed and angleinformation, and/or nano-node information is collected and thenprocessed to determine any issues or a proper technique, and the rawdata and/or processed data are able to be presented to the user orothers by alert or in a report. In some embodiments, the physical areanetwork communicates with a device with a display (e.g., screen or VRgoogles) and/or an audible indicator is used. For example, when theplayer swings improperly and/or strain is detected on a player's bodypart, it is indicated (e.g., red flashing on the screen). When theplayer swings again and swings properly, it is also indicated (e.g.,green flashing on the screen). All of the data points of the swing, atall of the time intervals, are able to be acquired, analyzed, andprocessed in real-time, including providing an output usable to avoidinjury and/or improve a motion. In some embodiments, the visual displayincludes a simulation indicating what to correct. For example, a visualrepresentation of the correct swing is overlaid on a visualrepresentation of the player's swing.

In another example, a baseball includes one or more sensors which areable to measure spin, velocity, angle, and/or any other information ofthe ball. Additionally, a nano-micro interface (e.g., smart bracelet orwatch) on the thrower's wrist is able to detect the thrower's arm motionusing accelerometers, gyroscropes, and/or other components. Nano-nodesin the thrower's body are able to be used to detect movement, strain(e.g., muscles/bones/ligaments in/on the shoulder, wrist, elbow, arm)and/or any vital statistics/information. The information from thebaseball, wearable device, and/or the nano-nodes is able to be collectedand analyzed to determine the thrower's throwing motion to determine ifthere are any imperfections which are causing excess strain on thethrower's body or causing the throw to be inefficient. The thrower isalso able to be alerted when his throw is off. For example, anaudible/visual alert is triggered when the throw angle is wrong. In someembodiments, an AR or VR device is worn to show the thrower a properangle or alert the thrower of poor form. In some embodiments, the AR orVR device shows the proper form in real-time or after. In someembodiments, the data is recorded and reviewable later. The data is ableto be collected and analyzed including when an injury occurs to furtherimprove future analysis.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network with additional equipment according to some embodiments.The additional equipment is able to be sporting equipment, workequipment, medical equipment, cooking equipment, housework equipment,electrical equipment, computer equipment, a vehicle, and/or any otherequipment. In the step 2000, a physical area network detectsinformation. For example, the physical area network detects strainand/or stresses on the user's body and/or vital signs. In the step 2002,the equipment detects information. For example, speeds, angles ofmotion, motions of the equipment are detected. In some embodiments, thephysical area network and the equipment communicate for the detection ofinformation. In the step 2004, the information from the physical areanetwork and/or equipment is collected and analyzed. For example, thenano-micro interface and/or a server receive the information and analyzethe information to determine issues, correct behaviors, incorrectbehaviors, and/or any other analysis. In the step 2006, an action istaken. For example, an alert is displayed when strain above a thresholdis detected. In another example, a video is displayed showing thecorrect motion. In some embodiments, fewer or additional steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.For example, the steps 2000 and 2002 are able to occur simultaneously.

FIG. 21 illustrates a user with a physical area network and equipmentconfigured to communicate with the physical area network according tosome embodiments. As described in FIG. 1, the physical area networkincludes one or more nano-nodes 100, one or more nano-routers 102, oneor more nano-micro interfaces 104, and/or one or more control units 106,one or more electronic tattoos 108. In some embodiments, the physicalarea network is able to communicate via a network 110 (e.g., theInternet or an intranet) or using peer-to-peer communication.

The equipment 2100 includes one or more sensors 2102 positioned anywherein/on the equipment 2100. As described herein, the equipment 2100 isable to include a baseball bat, baseball, hockey stick, football, soccerball, and so on including other types of equipment. The sensors 2102 areable to communicate the sensed information to the physical area networkor another device. In some embodiments, the physical area networkincludes wearable clothing such as a smart shoe 2104 and/or smartclothing 2106 (e.g., smart band).

The physical area network and the equipment are able to work together todetect information to assist a user in whatever activity the user isdoing such as a sport, hobby, and/or work.

As described herein, the physical area network is able to be used todetect and/or treat any type of symptom/illness/conditions such ascancer, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, arrhythmia, anxiety,depression, acid reflux, asthma, cold, flu, gastrointestinal issues,and/or pregnancy.

The physical area network is able to be used to determine if an illnessis viral or bacterial. By detecting RNA/DNA matches using nano-nodes tocapture the virus/bacteria, the type of illness (viral/bacterial) isable to be detected as well as the specific illness(cold/flu/mononucleosis). In some embodiments, determining the type ofillness includes utilizing one or more nano-nodes to determine the sizeof the virus or bacteria, and based on the size, they are able to bedistinguished (e.g., bacteria are larger than viruses). In someembodiments, determining the type of illness includes utilizing one ormore nanosensors to determine chemical reactions of the bacteria orvirus to distinguish them (e.g., bacteria react to an antibacterial,whereas viruses do not). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes monitor thevirus/bacteria movements, and based on distinguishing characteristics, avirus or bacteria is able to be determined (e.g., bacteria reproduce ontheir own, whereas viruses attach to a cell to reproduce). Antigens arealso able to be used for detection. By determining the difference,treatment options may vary. For example, if it is determined that anillness is bacterial, then a user is alerted and/or an antibacterialmedication is deployed automatically.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network to detect an illness according to some embodiments. In thestep 2200, the physical area network is positioned on/in the user. Inthe step 2202, the physical area network detects symptoms and/orvirus/bacteria. For example, the nano-nodes and/or nano-micro interfaceare able to detect an elevated temperature. In another example, thenano-nodes are able to locate a virus or bacteria using specificnanosensors. In the step 2204, the information detected is analyzed. Asdescribed herein, based on the detection, a type of illness is able tobe determined. In an example, if the virus or bacteria is capturedand/or identified, then further analysis may not be implemented, but ifa virus or bacteria is not detected, a diagnosis may be available basedon symptoms detected and/or other information (e.g., genetic history,environmental information). In the step 2206, an action is taken such asalerting the user that the user has illness X. In another example, if anelevated temperature is detected, the nano-nodes are informed toinvestigate further in an attempt to determine the type of illness bycapturing the virus or bacteria. In some embodiments, fewer oradditional steps are implemented. In some embodiments, the order of thesteps is modified.

In some embodiments, the physical area network is used to monitor a userwhile sleeping. The nano-nodes and/or the nano-micro interface of thephysical area network monitor the user's movement, brain activity, heartrate, blood pressure, blood sugar, rapid eye movement, and/or any otherinformation. The physical area network detects user movement duringsleep. In some embodiments, the physical area network communicates witha bed which is capable of detecting movement. The information collectedfrom the physical area network and/or other devices is able to beanalyzed to determine causes of sleep issues/disorders such as bloodpressure spikes while sleeping, blood sugar drops while sleeping,triggers for dreams, and/or any other symptoms/effects. Food informationis able to be correlated as well such as the user having sleep issues ornightmares after eating triggering foods. Trends and causes are able tobe determined by analysis of the food, sleep and/or other activityinformation.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flowchart of a method of monitoring sleep of auser according to some embodiments. In the step 2300, the physical areanetwork is positioned. In the step 2302, the physical area networkmonitors a user's sleep. Monitoring the user's sleep is able to includemonitoring movement, brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, bloodsugar, rapid eye movement, and/or any other information. The nano-nodesare able to monitor internal information, and the nano-micro interface(e.g., smart watch or smart clothing) is able to monitor externalinformation. In some embodiments, the information is analyzed per nightor over a period of time to determine patterns. In some embodiments,fewer or additional steps are implemented. In some embodiments, theorder of the steps is modified.

In some embodiments, the physical area network is able to be used as apermanent, automatic doctor guidance system. The physical area networkis able to detect symptoms/illnesses automatically. Additionally, a useris able to input symptoms (e.g., achy) via a GUI or voice commands on asmart watch/phone, and the nano-nodes are able to investigate based onthe input symptoms. The physical area network is able to access medicalinformation (source information) which is updated continuously or on aregular basis (e.g., daily) based on medical information gathered fromother physical area networks and/or other sources. The symptoms (andother medical information e.g., medical history, age, sex, environmentalfactors) are then able to be compared with the source information todetermine an illness of the user (or potential illnesses of the user).The diagnosis is able to be provided to the user (e.g., displayed on theuser's smart phone), including potential/recommended treatment optionsand/or other information. In some embodiments, medical information isprovided manually (e.g., by a doctor). For example, a local/remotedoctor reviews the symptom/medical information from the physical areanetwork and provides a diagnosis.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing the physicalarea network as a remote monitoring system/automatic doctorimplementation according to some embodiments. In the step 2400, thephysical area network is positioned. In the step 2402, the physical areanetwork monitors the user including detecting movement, detectingsymptoms/illnesses, analyzing food intake, analyzing exercise, detectingvital signs, determining location information, and/or anydetection/monitoring. In the step 2404, the information acquired bymonitoring and/or other information is analyzed (e.g., matching symptomswith stored information of possible illnesses). In the step 2406, anaction is taken. For example, the physical area network is able to alertthe user, communicate/alert a contact of the user such as a familymember, friend and/or doctor. In another example, in a remote monitoringimplementation, the location/health information of the user is able tobe sent to another (e.g., to a parent), so that the parent is aware ofthe user's health status and location. In some embodiments, fewer oradditional steps are implemented. In some embodiments, the order of thesteps is modified.

In some embodiments, nano-nodes are equipped with a variety ofmedications. For example, a first set of nano-nodes contain Med X, asecond set of nano-nodes contain Med Y and a third set of nano-nodescontain Med Z. One of the medications or a combination of medicationsare tried, and then the physical area network detects any physicalresponse/side effects (e.g., accelerated heart rate, weight loss,anxiety, allergic reaction and many others). If no negative effects aredetected and/or the illness responds to the medication, then the othermedications are not utilized (and the nano-nodes may move to be disposedof such as in the bladder or colon). If negative effects are detectedand/or the illness is not responding to the medication, then thatmedication is stopped and possibly moves to be disposed of, and anothermedication or combination of medications is tried, and the process isrepeated.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes include motion sensors. Utilizingarranged carbon nano-tubes, tiny movements and changes in gravity areable to be sensed which would indicate motion. Upon detecting motion, anaction is able to be taken such as deploying a medication, mobilizingnano-nodes to attack a blockage, or sending a signal to the nano-microinterface to trigger an alert.

Artificial intelligence is able to be used with the physical areanetwork in any manner/implementation. For example, artificialintelligence is able to be implemented on a server to process datareceived from one or more physical area networks. Furthering theexample, as data is received, the data is analyzed, and using artificialintelligence the system is able to learn by detecting patterns,comparing data/symptoms, and/or any other manner. In another example,artificial intelligence is able to be utilized in deploying the physicalarea network such as sending signals to the nano-nodes in where to moveto, what to look for/detect, and/or providing any other instructions.The artificial intelligence is able to be implemented in any manner suchas a neural network.

In some embodiments, the nano-nodes are used to monitor blood alcoholcontent levels and are able to send a signal via a nano-router to anexternal device such as a wearable device or a phone. As describedherein, chemical sensors are able to be used to detect various chemicalssuch as ethanol and/or other alcohols.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart of detecting alcohol/drugs using thephysical area network according to some embodiments. In the step 2500,the physical area network detects alcohol/drugs in the user's system.Detecting the alcohol/drugs is able to be implemented in any manner suchas using nano-sensors configured to acquire specific items such asalcohol or specific drugs. An amount of alcohol or drugs in a person'ssystem is able to be calculated based the concentration detected usingmany nano-nodes and determining how many detect alcohol/drugs and howmany do not. In some embodiments, other/additional factors are used todetect alcohol/drugs such as irregular movement, accelerated and/orirregular heartbeat, other impaired actions, and/or any otherphysiological triggers; detecting the alcohol/drugs using a mouth-basedsensor; and/or other information. For example, the accelerometer of thenano-micro interface is able to detect irregular movements by the user(e.g., based on the accelerometer). In another example, the nano-nodesare able to detect physiological changes such as an acceleratedheartbeat based on the use of certain drugs. In the step 2502, an actionis taken. The action taken may be to automatically call for a driver(e.g., contact a self-driving vehicle including sending current locationinformation), the police, or an ambulance; automatically disable theuser's vehicle; alert the user of their condition (e.g., blood alcoholcontent above the legal limit) and/or any other action.

In some embodiments, the physical area device is able to communicatewith a self-driving vehicle. For example, if a user has a medical issueor any other need/desire, the physical area network is able tocommunicate (e.g., smart watch sends a communication including GPS orother location information) to a self-driving car service or aride-share service. The physical area network is also able tocommunicate to any other driving service (e.g., a ride-share servicewith a human driver).

In some embodiments, one or more nano-nodes in a user's bloodstream areconfigured to measure the diameter or a change in diameter of an arteryand/or vein. Measuring the diameter is implemented by measuring thedistance from one wall to the opposite wall by the nano-node trackingthe distance as it moves. In another example, the diameter is measuredby sending and detecting electrical pulses and detecting if the pulse isable to reach the artery/vein wall. The diameter is able to bedetermined based on the strength of the electrical pulse. In anotherexample, the diameter is measured by sending signals and detectingreflections of the signals off the artery/vein wall, and based on thespeed of the reflections, a distance is able to be determined. In someembodiments, antenna (or other transceivers) are located in oppositedirections (e.g., one pointed left, one pointed right and/or one pointedforward, one pointed backward). In addition to detecting the diameter,the location of the nano-node in the body is determined. Determining thelocation is able to be based on detected oxygen levels, salinity levels,size of the diameter, and/or any other information. The location is ableto be sent from the nano-micro interface which knows the location of thenano-node. The location is also able to be determined using an externaldevice capable of scanning and detecting the nano-node and thencommunicating the location to the appropriate location (e.g., thenano-micro interface). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes (orspecialized nano-nodes) are configured to break up plaque and/or employmedications to remove, cut, dissolve, break up, chisel, and/or burn theplaque. For example, the nano-node includes an acid which is capable ofdissolving the plaque. In another example, the nano-node includes ablade/chisel capable of breaking up the plaque. In another example, thenano-nodes locate blood clots and break them up using the mechanismsdescribed herein. In another example, the nano-nodes vibrate rapidly tobreak up the plaque. Blood clots are able to be found by having manynano-nodes within a body, and when a nano-node reaches an obstruction orpartial obstruction (e.g., by detecting a narrowing of a vein/arterydiameter), the nano-node is able to take action.

FIG. 26 illustrates a flowchart of a method of detecting sizes ofstructures within a user's body according to some embodiments. In thestep 2600, nano-nodes are positioned in the user (e.g., injected into auser's vein). In some embodiments, the nano-nodes navigate after initialpositioning. In the step 2602, the nano-nodes measure a structure (e.g.,a vein, artery or other structure). In the step 2604, the nano-nodescommunicate the measurement information (e.g., to a nano-microinterface). In the step 2606, the nano-nodes take an action. Forexample, after indicating that an artery is partially blocked, thenano-nodes receive a signal and take action to break up the blockage(e.g., with tools, heat, medication). In some embodiments, fewer oradditional steps are implemented. In some embodiments, the order of thesteps is modified.

FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computing deviceconfigured to implement aspects of the physical area network accordingto some embodiments. For example, the computing device 2700 communicateswith the physical area network (e.g., via the nano-micro interface). Inanother example, the computing device 2600 is the nano-micro interface.The computing device 2700 is able to be used to acquire, store, compute,process, communicate and/or display information including, but notlimited to, text, images, videos and audio. In some examples, thecomputing device 2700 is able to be used to monitor information, processthe information, perform analysis and/or provide a recommendation. Ingeneral, a hardware structure suitable for implementing the computingdevice 2700 includes a network interface 2702, a memory 2704, aprocessor 2706, I/O device(s) 2708, a bus 2710 and a storage device2712. The choice of processor is not critical as long as a suitableprocessor with sufficient speed is chosen. The memory 2704 is able to beany conventional computer memory known in the art. The storage device2712 is able to include a hard drive, CDROM, CDRW, DVD, DVDRW, flashmemory card, solid state drive or any other storage device. Thecomputing device 2700 is able to include one or more network interfaces2702. An example of a network interface includes a network cardconnected to an Ethernet or other type of LAN. The I/O device(s) 2708are able to include one or more of the following: keyboard, mouse,monitor, display, printer, modem, touchscreen, touchpad,speaker/microphone, voice input device, eye detection, infrareddetection, hologram detection, button interface, hand-waving,body-motion capture, touchless 3D input, joystick, remote control,brain-computer interface/direct neural interface/brain-machineinterface, camera, and other devices. In some embodiments, the hardwarestructure includes multiple processors and other hardware to performparallel processing. Physical area network application(s) 2730 used toperform the monitoring, processing, analyzing and providing are likelyto be stored in the storage device 2712 and memory 2704 and processed asapplications are typically processed. More or fewer components shown inFIG. 27 are able to be included in the computing device 2700. In someembodiments, physical area network hardware 2720 is included. Althoughthe computing device 2700 in FIG. 27 includes applications 2730 andhardware 2720 for implementing the physical area network, the physicalarea network is able to be implemented on a computing device inhardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof. For example, insome embodiments, the physical area network applications 2730 areprogrammed in a memory and executed using a processor. In anotherexample, in some embodiments, the physical area network hardware 2720 isprogrammed hardware logic including gates specifically designed toimplement the physical area network.

In some embodiments, the physical area network application(s) 2730include several applications and/or modules. Modules include amonitoring module for monitoring information, a processing module forprocessing (e.g., converting) information, an analysis module foranalyzing information and a providing module for providing arecommendation. In some embodiments, modules include one or moresub-modules as well. In some embodiments, fewer or additional modulesare able to be included. In some embodiments, the applications and/orthe modules are located on different devices. For example, a deviceperforms monitoring, processing, and analyzing, but the providing isperformed on a different device, or in another example, the monitoringand processing occurs on a first device, the analysis occurs on a seconddevice and the providing occurs on a third device. Any configuration ofwhere the applications/modules are located is able to be implementedsuch that the physical area network is executed.

In some embodiments, a specialized computing device is utilized toimplement the physical area network. In some embodiments, thespecialized computing device utilizes a dedicated processor and/ordedicated memory for processing physical area network information. Insome embodiments, instructions are stored on the specialized computingdevice to enable the computing device to efficiently analyze informationto provide physical area network recommendations.

Examples of suitable computing devices include, but are not limited tonano-devices, micro-devices, a personal computer, a laptop computer, acomputer workstation, a server, a mainframe computer, a handheldcomputer, a personal digital assistant, a pager, a telephone, a faxmachine, a cellular/mobile telephone, a smart appliance, a gamingconsole, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a camera phone, a smartphone/device (e.g., a Droid® or an iPhone®), a portable music player(e.g., an iPod®), a tablet (e.g., an iPad®), a video player, an e-reader(e.g., Kindle™), a DVD writer/player, an HD (e.g., Blu-ray®) or ultrahigh density writer/player, a television, a copy machine, a scanner, acar stereo, a stereo, a satellite, a DVR (e.g., TiVo®), a smartwatch/jewelry, smart devices, a home entertainment system or any othersuitable computing device.

The user described herein is able to be any animal (e.g., human, pet,livestock) or plant.

Any of the steps described herein are able to be performed in real-time.

Although some implementations and/or embodiments have been describedrelated to specific implementations and/or embodiments, and someaspects/elements/steps of some implementations and/or embodiments havebeen described related to specific implementations and/or embodiments,any of the aspects/elements/steps, implementations and/or embodimentsare applicable to other aspects/elements/steps, implementations and/orembodiments described herein.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding ofprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other variousmodifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustrationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of detecting a head injury comprising:deploying a plurality of nano-nodes in or on a user; and receivinginformation, at a device, from the plurality of nano-nodes, wherein theinformation includes force information based on an impact.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising taking an action based on the forceinformation.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein taking the action includesdeploying a medication.
 4. The method of claim 2 wherein taking theaction includes deploying a medication using a plurality of medicationnano-nodes containing a medication, wherein the plurality of medicationnano-nodes are deployed within the user.
 5. The method of claim 2wherein taking the action includes triggering an alert.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising determining a level of concussion based onthe force information, wherein a force amount below a first threshold isnot a concussion, the force amount between the first threshold and asecond threshold is a mild concussion, and the force amount above thesecond threshold is a severe concussion.
 7. The method of claim 1wherein the plurality of nano-nodes are deployed near the top, bottom,left, right, front and back of a brain of the user.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising analyzing body movements of the user.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 wherein analyzing the body movements of the userincludes using eyewear with one or more cameras configured to monitoreyes of the user to detect irregular eye movement.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 wherein irregular eye movement is determined by tracking theeyes of the user when no concussion exists to generate training data andcomparing the training data with current eye movement data.
 11. Themethod of claim 8 wherein analyzing the body movements of the userincludes the user playing a virtual reality video game while wearing avirtual reality headset, and tracking the eyes of the user with one ormore cameras in the virtual reality headset.
 12. The method of claim 1wherein deploying the plurality of nano-nodes includes injecting theplurality of nano-nodes into a body of the user.
 13. The method of claim1 wherein the plurality of nano-nodes are positioned in a pattern in oron the user.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the pattern includes aring, a checkerboard and/or cardinal direction points.
 15. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of nano-nodes comprise piezoelectricsensors.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein a subset of the plurality ofnano-nodes are positioned in or on headwear.
 17. The method of claim 1wherein the information includes location information.
 18. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the device comprises a wearable device.
 19. A systemcomprising: a plurality of nano-nodes deployed in or on a userconfigured to acquire force information, wherein the plurality ofnano-nodes include a first set of nano-nodes configured to trigger basedon a first amount of force and a second set of nano-nodes configured totrigger based on a second amount of force, wherein the first amount offorce is lower than the second amount of force; and a nano-microinterface configured to receive the force information and alert the userbased on the force information.
 20. A device comprising: a headgear; anda plurality of nano-nodes embedded on or in the headgear, wherein theplurality of nano-nodes are configured to detect the force of an impacton the headgear.